bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lasing versus lasing without inversion in an optically thin gain medium near a metal surface
Authors: Bordo V. G.
Published: August 2022

A theory of lasing in an optically thin layer of active centers disposed at a metal surface is developed from first principles. The approach is based on a rigorous account of the local field in the close vicinity of a reflective surface, which provides feedback for dipole oscillations in active centers. It is demonstrated that the gain medium thickness plays a crucial role in the lasing condition and controls switching from conventional lasing to lasing without inversion. The numerical calculations are carried out for erbium doped glass bordering a gold surface where radiation at telecom wavelength (1532 nm) can be generated.
Generation of multi-channel perfect vortex beams with the controllable ring radius and the topological charge based on an all-dielectric transmission metasurface
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhou Chengxin , Guo Kuangling , Wei Zhongchao , Liu Hongzhan
Published: August 2022

The perfect vortex (PV) beam, characterized by carrying orbital angular momentum and a radial electric intensity distribution independent of the topological charge, has important applications in optical communication, particle manipulation, and quantum optics. Conventional methods of generating PV beams require a series of bulky optical elements that are tightly collimated with each other, adding to the complexity of optical systems. Here, making the amplitude of transmitted co-polarized and cross-polarized components to be constant, all-dielectric transmission metasurfaces with superimposed phase profiles integrating spiral phase plate, axicon and Fourier lens are constructed based on the phase-only modulation method. Using mathematical derivation and numerical simulation, multi-channel PV beams with controllable annular ring radius and topological charge are realized for the first time under circularly polarized light incidence combining the propagation phase and geometric phase. Meanwhile, perfect vector vortex beams are produced by superposition of PV beams under the incidence of left-handed circularly polarized and right-handed circularly polarized lights, respectively. This work provides a new perspective on generating tailored PV beams, increasing design flexibility and facilitating the construction of compact, integrated, and versatile nanophotonics platforms.
Near-eye display with a triple-channel waveguide for metaverse
Authors: Chen Chao Ping , Cui Yuepeng , Chen Ye , Meng Shan , Sun Yang , Mao Chaojie , Chu Qiang
Published: August 2022

We present a near-eye display featuring a triple-channel waveguide with chiral liquid crystal gratings. Our triple-channel waveguide is capable of dividing one field of view into three through both the polarization orthogonality and angular separation. To illustrate its principle, a k-space diagram, which takes into account the aspect ratio of field of view, is depicted. Our results demonstrate that its diagonal field of view reaches 90°, eye relief is 10 mm, exit pupil is 4.9 × 4.9 mm2, transmittance is 4.9%, and uniformity is 89%.
Scattering suppression in plasmonic nanostars using pulsed-beam irradiation for super-resolution optical imaging
Authors: Zhang Xihao , Wang Jing , Lamon Simone , Gu Min , Zhang Qiming
Published: August 2022

In this Letter, we demonstrate the selective excitation and suppression of plasmonic scattering in gold nanostars by using a pulsed laser. We achieve super-resolution optical imaging of gold nanostars with a lateral feature size of 140 nm (λ/4.5) at an inhibition laser beam power of 0.24 mW. The average power of the inhibition laser beam under a pulsed laser beam is half that of gold nanospheres under a continuous wave laser beam and three orders of magnitude lower than that used in conventional fluorescence-based stimulated emission depletion microscopy. Furthermore, super-resolution optical imaging of gold nanostars inside cells is demonstrated with a lateral feature size of 164 nm at an inhibition laser beam power of 0.3 mW. Using pulsed lasers, the achievement of low-power plasmonic scattering suppression in gold nanostars enables the performance of sub-diffraction observations, which effectively avoids the long-term thermal damage of continuous wave lasers and expands the number of plasmonic nanoprobes for biological super-resolution optical imaging.
Electrically tunable lens with a non-monotonic wavefront control capability
Authors: Zemska Zhanna , Galstian Tigran
Published: August 2022

We describe an electrically tunable liquid crystal lens that can produce a rich variety of wavefronts, including sombrero-type (non-monotonic) phase modulation, enabling the focusing of light into a ring-shaped intensity distribution. The lens can also generate axicons or standard spherical lenses with a bipolar response (providing both positive and negative optical powers). The design of the lens requires only a single-step lithography process, dramatically simplifying its manufacturing. We describe various driving modes of this lens and present the first experimental results and discuss its possible applications in miniature cameras and microscopes. We think that this device can revolutionize the optical design in many areas of photonics.
Fundamental linewidth of an AlN microcavity Raman laser
Authors: Liu Kewei , Yao Shunyu , Ding Yulei , Wang Zihao , Guo Yanan , Yan Jianchang , Wang Junxi , Yang Changxi , Bao Chengying
Published: August 2022

Raman lasing can be a promising way to generate highly coherent chip-based lasers, especially in high-quality (high-Q) crystalline microcavities. Here, we measure the fundamental linewidth of a stimulated Raman laser in an aluminum nitride (AlN)-on-sapphire microcavity with a record Q-factor up to 3.7 million. An inverse relationship between fundamental linewidth and emission power is observed. A limit of the fundamental linewidth, independent of Q-factor, due to Raman-pump-induced Kerr parametric oscillation is derived.
Performance and complexity analysis using a sparse deep learning method for indoor terahertz transmission
Authors: Yadav Govind Sharan , Torkaman Pouya , Miao Xuan-Wei , Feng Kai-Ming , Yang Shang-Hua
Published: August 2022

In this Letter, we propose and experimentally validate a sparse deep learning method (SDLM) for terahertz indoor wireless-over-fiber by transmitting a 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signal over a 15-km single-mode fiber (SMF) and a wireless link distance of 60 cm at 135 GHz through a cost-effective intensity-modulated direct detection (IM-DD) communications system. The proposed SDLM imposes the L1-regularized mechanism on the cost function, which not only improves performance but also reduces complexity when compared with traditional Volterra nonlinear equalizer (VNLE), sparse VNLE, and conventional DLM. Our experimental findings show that the proposed SDLM provides viable options for successfully mitigating nonlinear distortions and outperforms conventional VNLE, conventional DLM, and SVNLE with a 76%, 72%, and 61% complexity reduction, respectively, for 8-QAM without losing signal integrity.
Validation of a deep learning, value-based care model to predict mortality and comorbidities from chest radiographs in COVID-19
Authors: Pyrros Ayis , Rodriguez Fernandez Jorge , Borstelmann Stephen M. , Flanders Adam , Wenzke Daniel , Hart Eric , Horowitz Jeanne M. , Nikolaidis Paul , Willis Melinda , Chen Andrew , Cole Patrick , Siddiqui Nasir , Muzaffar Momin , Muzaffar Nadir , McVean Jennifer , Menchaca Martha , Katsaggelos Aggelos K. , Koyejo Sanmi , Galanter William
Published: August 2022

We validate a deep learning model predicting comorbidities from frontal chest radiographs (CXRs) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compare the model’s performance with hierarchical condition category (HCC) and mortality outcomes in COVID-19. The model was trained and tested on 14,121 ambulatory frontal CXRs from 2010 to 2019 at a single institution, modeling select comorbidities using the value-based Medicare Advantage HCC Risk Adjustment Model. Sex, age, HCC codes, and risk adjustment factor (RAF) score were used. The model was validated on frontal CXRs from 413 ambulatory patients with COVID-19 (internal cohort) and on initial frontal CXRs from 487 COVID-19 hospitalized patients (external cohort). The discriminatory ability of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves compared to the HCC data from electronic health records, and predicted age and RAF score were compared using correlation coefficient and absolute mean error. The model predictions were used as covariables in logistic regression models to evaluate the prediction of mortality in the external cohort. Predicted comorbidities from frontal CXRs, including diabetes with chronic complications, obesity, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, vascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, had a total area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.85–0.86). The ROC AUC of predicted mortality for the model was 0.84 (95% CI,0.79–0.88) for the combined cohorts. This model using only frontal CXRs predicted select comorbidities and RAF score in both internal ambulatory and external hospitalized COVID-19 cohorts and was discriminatory of mortality, supporting its potential use in clinical decision making.
Contribution of child health interventions to under-five mortality decline in Ghana: A modeling study using lives saved and missed opportunity tools
Authors: Kolekang Augusta , Sarfo Bismark , Danso-Appiah Anthony , Dwomoh Duah , Akweongo Patricia
Published: August 2022

Background

Increased coverage of interventions have been advocated to reduce under-five mortality. However, Ghana failed to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on child survival in 2015 despite improved coverage levels of some child health interventions. Therefore, there is the need to determine which interventions contributed the most to mortality reduction and those that can further rapidly reduce mortality to inform the prioritization of the scale-up of interventions.

Materials and methods

Deterministic mathematical modeling was done using Lives Saved and Missed Opportunity Tools. Secondary data was used, and the period of the evaluation was between 2008 and 2014. Some of the interventions assessed were complementary feeding, skilled delivery, and rotavirus vaccine.

Results

A total of 48,084 lives were saved from changes in coverage of interventions and a reduction in the prevalence of stunting and wasting. Reduction in wasting prevalence saved 10,372(21.6%) lives, insecticide-treated net/indoor residual spraying 6,437(13.4%) lives saved, reduction in stunting 4,315(9%) lives saved and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs) 4,325(9.0%) lives saved. If coverage levels of interventions in 2014 were scaled up to 90% in 2015, among neonates, full supportive care for prematurity (5,435 lives saved), full supportive care for neonatal sepsis/pneumonia (3,002 lives saved), and assisted vaginal delivery (2,163 lives saved), would have saved the most lives among neonates, while ACTs (4,925 lives saved), oral rehydration salts (ORS) (2,056 lives saved), and antibiotics for the treatment of pneumonia (1,805 lives saved) would have made the most impact on lives saved among children 1–59 months. Lastly, if all the interventions were at 100% coverage in 2014, the under-five mortality rate would have been 40.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014.

Discussion

The state of the package of interventions will likely not lead to rapid mortality reduction. Coverage and quality of childbirth-related interventions should be increased. Additionally, avenues to further reduce stunting and wasting, including increased breastfeeding and complementary feeding, will be beneficial.
Young mothers’ attitudes towards domestic violence and their maternal healthcare services utilization in Bangladesh: A multilevel cluster analysis
Authors: Afroz Sawkia , Sutopa Tasmiah Sad , Haque Md Rabiul
Published: August 2022

This paper examined the association between young mothers’ attitudes towards domestic violence and four or more antenatal care (ANC) and health-center-based delivery service utilization using two cross-sectional waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (2014 and 2018) data. We carried out a multilevel logistic regression analysis. Findings show that a strong cluster variation exists in four or more ANC and health-center-based delivery service utilization. Although the utilization of four or more ANC and health-center-based delivery services has increased over the years, it is far behind the targets of SDGs, particularly for young mothers with justified attitudes towards domestic violence. Extension of maternity allowance coverage and motivational programs are important policy recommendations.
Evaluation of the clinical utility of the PromarkerD in-vitro test in predicting diabetic kidney disease and rapid renal decline through a conjoint analysis
Authors: Fusfeld Lauren , Murphy Jessica T. , Yoon YooJin , Kam Li Ying , Peters Kirsten E. , Lin Tan Pearl , Shanik Michael , Turchin Alexander
Published: August 2022

Background

Early identification of patients at risk of developing diabetic kidney disease or rapid renal decline is imperative for appropriate patient management, but traditional methods of predicting renal decline are limited.

Objective

This study evaluated the impact of PromarkerD, a biomarker-based blood test predicting the risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and rapid renal decline.

Methods

Conjoint analysis clarified the importance of PromarkerD and other patient attributes to physician decisions for type 2 diabetes patients. Forty-two patient profiles were generated, with varying levels of albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), age, and PromarkerD result. A web-based survey asked each physician to make monitoring/treatment decisions about eight randomly selected profiles. Data were analyzed using multivariable logit models.

Results

Two hundred three primary care physicians and 197 endocrinologists completed the survey. PromarkerD result was most important for increasing the frequency of risk factor monitoring. PromarkerD was second to HbA1c in importance for deciding to prescribe sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2s) with a DKD indication, second to blood pressure for increasing the dose of lisinopril, and second to eGFR for replacing ibuprofen with a non-nephrotoxic medication. Compared with no PromarkerD results, a high-risk PromarkerD result was associated with significantly higher odds of increasing monitoring frequency (odds ratio [OR]: 2.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.90–3.45), prescribing SGLT2s (OR: 1.98 [1.56–2.52]), increasing lisinopril dose (OR: 1.48 [1.17–1.87]), and replacing ibuprofen (OR: 1.78 [1.32–2.40]). A low-risk PromarkerD result was associated with significantly lower odds of increasing monitoring frequency (OR: 0.48 [0.37–0.64]), prescribing SGLT2s (OR: 0.70 [0.56–0.88]), and replacing ibuprofen (OR: 0.75 [0.57–0.99]).

Conclusion

PromarkerD could increase adoption of renoprotective interventions in patients at high risk for renal decline and lower the likelihood of aggressive treatment in those at low risk. Further studies are needed to assess patient outcomes with PromarkerD in real-world practice.
Duration of inter-pregnancy interval and its predictors among pregnant women in urban South Ethiopia: Cox gamma shared frailty modeling
Authors: Jena Belayneh Hamdela , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Gete Yigzaw Kebede , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: August 2022

Background

Short inter-pregnancy interval is a public health concern because it results in adverse perinatal outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, premature birth, low birth weight, and perinatal deaths. Although it is critical to understand the factors that contribute to short inter-pregnancy interval to reduce the risk of these negative outcomes, adequate evidence about the factors in the urban context is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to assess the duration of the inter-pregnancy interval and its predictors among pregnant women in urban South Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 2171 pregnant women in five geographically diverse urban settings in South Ethiopia. For the analysis, a Cox gamma shared frailty (random-effect) model was used. Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with a 95% CI was used to assess significant predictors. The median hazard ratio (MHR) used to report clustering effect.

Results

The median duration of the inter-pregnancy interval was 22 months, 95% CI (21, 23), with an inter-quartile range of 14 months. Maternal age ≥30 years [AHR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.97], having no formal education [AHR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.78], contraceptive non-use [AHR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.94, 2.66], breastfeeding for <24 months [AHR = 4.92, 95% CI: 3.95, 6.12], death of recent child [AHR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.41, 5.97], plan pregnancy within 24 months [AHR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.35], lack of discussion with husband [AHR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.60] and lack of husband encouragement about pregnancy spacing [AHR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.48] were predictors of short inter-pregnancy interval. Adjusting for predictors, the median increase in the hazard of short inter-pregnancy interval in a cluster with higher short inter-pregnancy interval is 30% [MHR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.43] than lower cluster.

Conclusions

In the study settings, the duration of the inter-pregnancy interval was shorter than the World Health Organization recommendation. There is a need to improve contraceptive use and breastfeeding duration to maximize the inter-pregnancy interval. Men’s involvement in reproductive health services and advocacy for women’s reproductive decision-making autonomy are fundamental. The contextual disparities in the inter-pregnancy interval suggests further study and interventions.
Identity, trust, and the experiences of refugees during a COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Nungsari Melati , Chuah Hui Yin , Flanders Sam
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the experiences of refugees in a developing country during its first COVID-19 lockdown by utilizing a two-stage qualitative data analysis of 39 interviews with refugees and asylum-seekers. We find that their experiences during the lockdown are shaped by identity, trauma and help from external parties–such as community leaders and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Experiences during the pandemic in turn moderate the relationship between policy changes and trust in domestic authority figures, which consequently affects attitudes towards and compliance with public health measures put in place to contain the pandemic. We then explore the role of identity in refugees’ pandemic experiences by comparing the differences between two refugee groups (Syrians and Rohingyas), validating them by utilizing comparative thematic analysis. Finally, the paper presents policy implications for crisis response in developing countries by suggesting improvements that can be made on the ground regarding the delivery of aid and assistance to vulnerable groups.
Physical activity promoting teaching practices and children’s physical activity within physical education lessons underpinned by motor learning theory (SAMPLE-PE)
Authors: Crotti Matteo , Rudd James , Roberts Simon , Fitton Davies Katie , O’Callaghan Laura , Utesch Till , Foweather Lawrence
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Movement competence is a key outcome for primary physical education (PE) curricula. As movement development in children emerges through physical activity (PA), it is important to determine the extent of PA promotion within movement competence focused teaching pedagogies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess children’s moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and related teaching practices in primary PE within Linear pedagogy and Nonlinear pedagogy and to compare this to current practice within PE delivery in primary schools.

Methods

Participants (n = 162, 53% females, 5-6y) were recruited from 9 primary schools within the SAMPLE-PE cluster randomised controlled trial. Schools were randomly-allocated to one of three conditions: Linear pedagogy, Nonlinear pedagogy, or control. Nonlinear and Linear pedagogy intervention schools received a PE curriculum delivered by trained deliverers over 15 weeks, while control schools followed usual practice. Children’s MVPA was measured during 3 PE lessons (44 PE lessons in total) using an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer worn on their non-dominant wrist. Differences between conditions for children’s MVPA were analysed using multilevel model analysis. Negative binomial models were used to analyse teaching practices data.

Results

No differences were found between Linear pedagogy, Nonlinear pedagogy and the control group for children’s MVPA levels during PE. Linear and Nonlinear interventions generally included higher percentages of MVPA promoting teaching practices (e.g., Motor Content) and lower MVPA reducing teaching practices (e.g., Management), compared to the control group. Teaching practices observed in Linear and Nonlinear interventions were in line with the respective pedagogical principles.

Conclusions

Linear and Nonlinear pedagogical approaches in PE do not negatively impact MVPA compared to usual practice. Nevertheless, practitioners may need to refine these pedagogical approaches to improve MVPA alongside movement competence.
Developing an ecological approach to physical activity promotion in adults with Cystic fibrosis
Authors: Shelley James , Dawson Ellen A. , Boddy Lynne M. , Stewart Claire E. , Frost Freddy , Nazareth Dilip , Walshaw Martin J. , Knowles Zoe R.
Published: August 2022

Background

There are few examples of interventions designed to promote physical activity (PA) in adults with Cystic fibrosis (CF). Increasing levels of habitual PA may be more feasible and result in greater compliance than conventional exercise training inventions which give little or no attention to long-term PA behaviour. Despite this there is limited research exploring perceptions of PA among adults with CF. The study aimed to understand the ecological correlates of PA in adults with CF and to involve individuals with CF, their families (where applicable) and clinicians in a formative process to inform the development of an ecological approach to PA promotion in this population.

Methods

An iterative approach was utilised, whereby findings from earlier phases of the research informed subsequent phases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore patients’ perceptions of PA, devised using the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Followed by, focus groups to discuss the perceived barriers, facilitators and opportunities for PA participation and how this information could inform the development and delivery of a PA intervention. Separate focus groups were conducted with individuals with CF (n = 11) and their families and CF MDT members. Thematic analysis was used to construct themes.

Results

Physical and mental wellbeing manifested as both barriers and facilitators of PA. CF is characterised by a progressive decline in physical function, which presents as a number of challenging symptoms and set-backs for an individual with CF. PA represents an opportunity for participants to slow the rate of this decline and manage the symptoms associated with the condition. Enjoyment was an important facilitator of PA. Exercise professionals and family reinforce PA behaviour, particularly during adolescence.

Conclusions

PA promotion should form part of routine CF care with additional exercise professional support during adolescence.
Effect of parameters on surface roughness during the ultra-precision polishing of titanium alloy
Authors: Lou Yonggou , Wu Hongbing
Published: August 2022

Titanium alloys have great potential in ultra-precision situations due to the excellent properties, such as high corrosion resistance, high specific-strength and high biocompatibility. However, the application of titanium alloys in ultra-precision field is limited by the poor machinability. There are difficulties in obtaining the optical surface. In this study, the possibility for obtaining optically graded surfaces of titanium alloys by ultra-precision polishing was investigated. Before the ultra-precision polishing, ultra-precision turning with a single point diamond tool was used to get all sample surfaces. But, titanium alloy is difficult to obtain good surface quality by ultra-precision diamond turning. The samples results confirmed that most of the surface roughness values are higher than 30 nm. In order to explore the polishing process, a large number of ultra-precision polishing experiments were conducted. In addition, the effects of different ultra-precision polishing parameters on the surface profiles of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V were investigated in depth. The results show that the average values of surface roughness of titanium alloy parts with ultra-precision turning can be further reduced by 70% or so by ultra-precision polishing. Using a reasonable combination of high spindle speed and large cutting depth, the value of surface roughness can even be lower than 2 nm.
Transcriptome analysis of female western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, exhibiting neo-panoistic ovarian development
Authors: Choi Du-Yeol , Kim Yonggyun
Published: August 2022

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is one of the most devastating insect pests with explosive reproductive potential. However, its reproductive physiological processes are not well understood. This study reports the ovarian development and associated transcriptomes of F. occidentalis. Each ovary consisted of four ovarioles, each of which contained a maximum of nine follicles in the vitellarium. The germarium consisted of several dividing cells forming a germ cell cluster, presumably consisting of oocytes and nurse cells. The nurse cells were restricted to the germarium while the subsequent follicles did not possess nurse cells or a nutritive cord, supporting the neo-panoistic ovariole usually found in thysanopteran insects. Oocyte development was completed 72 h after adult emergence (AAE). Transcriptome analysis was performed at mid (36 h AAE) and late (60 h AAE) ovarian developmental stages using RNA sequencing (RNASeq) technology. More than 120 million reads per replication were matched to ≈ 15,000 F. occidentalis genes. Almost 500 genes were differentially expressed at each of the mid and late ovarian developmental stages. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with metabolic pathways along with protein and nucleic acid biosynthesis. In both ovarian developmental stages, vitellogenin, mucin, and chorion genes were highly (> 8-fold) expressed. Endocrine signals associated with ovarian development were further investigated from the DEGs. Insulin and juvenile hormone signals were upregulated only at 36 h AAE, whereas the ecdysteroid signal was highly maintained at 60 h AAE. This study reports the transcriptome associated with the ovarian development of F. occidentalis, which possesses a neo-panoistic ovariole.
La Lingüística Hispánica como área curricular de los grados
universitarios de Español en el Reino Unido
Authors: Soler Montes Carlos
Published: August 2022

Este trabajo pretende ofrecer una panorámica informada sobre la posición
que ocupa la lingüística y, más en concreto, la lingüística hispánica dentro
de los programas de grado de Español de las universidades británicas. Para
ello, partiendo de una introducción a los Estudios Hispánicos en el ámbito
universitario anglosajón y del papel secundario que tradicionalmente ha
ocupado la lingüística dentro del hispanismo desarrollado desde este
contexto, nos cuestionaremos de manera crítica la necesidad y la utilidad de
incorporar contenidos curriculares asociados con la lingüística en los
planes de estudios universitarios que forman parte del ámbito disciplinar de
las Lenguas Modernas. Además, profundizaremos en el caso particular del
Reino Unido para presentar datos concretos sobre universidades y
titulaciones de Español que incorporan cursos o componentes explícitos de
Lingüística Hispánica en su currículum, analizando tanto el número como su
tipología. Los resultados de este estudio, basados en los planes
curriculares y los catálogos de asignaturas disponibles durante el curso
académico 2021/2022 de las 24 universidades británicas adscritas al Russell
Group que ofrecen programas de grado en Español, nos ayudarán a entender y a
justificar hasta qué punto es necesario que las enseñanzas universitarias
relacionadas con el Español y los Estudios Hispánicos partan de una
dimensión filológica en la que la lengua extranjera, las literaturas y las
culturas de dicha lengua convivan con su lingüística como modelo de
integración para la formación de los futuros graduados y especialistas del
español en Reino Unido.
Retos en torno a la integración de la lengua y el contenido: la
incorporación de un MOOC sobre el mundo hispanohablante a un curso de
lengua
Authors: del Pozo García Alba
Published: August 2022

Esta propuesta explora los retos en el diseño de un semestre de un curso
de lengua basado en la integración de lengua y contenido (AICLE en español,
o CLIL por sus siglas en inglés). El proyecto, desarrollado en la University
of Nottingham, parte de la explotación de un MOOC ya existente: Spain and
Latin America: Transatlantic Crossings (SNOOC en el contexto de la
Universidad de Nottingham, un curso en línea en abierto para todos los
miembros de dicha comunidad universitaria). Este curso, dividido en cuatro
unidades (Conquistadores, Independencias, España Contemporánea y
Latinoamérica Contemporánea) fue originalmente diseñado para que cualquier
miembro de la comunidad universitaria pudiera unirse y aprender sobre el
mundo hispanohablante a su propio ritmo. Este artículo evalúa la adaptación
de dicho curso, destinado a un público variado, a un curso semestral de
último año en el grado de Español, cuyo principal objetivo es la adquisición
de un nivel C1 según el MCER. Los resultados de este proyecto se basan en un
análisis cualitativo de una encuesta administrada entre los estudiantes. Por
un lado, confirman el interés de los estudiantes por explorar contenidos
culturales; por otro, indican la necesidad de gestionar sus expectativas y
ofrecer una definición más precisa de lo que se entiende por cultura de la
lengua meta.
La enseñanza de Español como Lengua Extranjera en ambientes híbridos de
aprendizaje
Authors: Hernández-Torres Alfonso
Published: August 2022

Los ambientes híbridos de aprendizaje ofrecen la oportunidad a los
estudiantes de lenguas extranjeras de desenvolverse en diversos contextos de
la vida real, integrando diferentes actividades comunicativas de la lengua.
El desarrollo de la competencia digital docente es fundamental para guiar a
los alumnos en estos nuevos entornos y saber rentabilizar las herramientas
tecnológicas dentro y fuera del aula. En esta propuesta didáctica vamos a
presentar diferentes actividades con buenos resultados, que hemos pilotado
con alumnos de Español como Lengua Extranjera en línea y de diferentes
niveles. Partimos de la experiencia para la construcción del conocimiento
que después servirá para llevar a cabo un producto final que se pueda usar
en un determinado contexto de comunicación (la grabación de un vídeo para
compartir nuestra serie favorita, una infografía de una lectura, un libro de
micro relatos o un cuestionario para evaluar a nuestros compañeros). Para
estos productos hemos usado diversos recursos digitales (Bookcreator,
Genial.ly o Flipgrid) en los que ha sido fundamental la mediación del
profesor para el desarrollo de la tarea. Por un lado, presentamos un
profesor competente digitalmente, flexible y capaz de adaptarse a los
cambios tecnológicos y, por otro lado, un alumno creativo y responsable de
su propio proceso de aprendizaje.
PENENTUAN KEBIJAKAN PENGADAAN BAHAN PENDUKUNG PRODUKSI BERBASIS MULTI KRITERIA DAN ASPEK MANUSIA
Authors: Dewa Parama Kartika
Published: August 2022

Kinerja rantai pasok dalam memenuhi pesanan konsumen dipengaruhi oleh relasi antara supplier dengan departemen pengadaan pada organisasi manufaktur. Persaingan dunia bisnis di bidang elektronik semakin ketat. Kondisi ini menyebabkan perusahaan elektronik harus lebih memperhatikan kinerja pada bagian pengadaan. PT ABC sebagai salah satu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang produksi produk elektronik di Indonesia menghadapi permasalahan dalam tata kelola penentuan kebijakan pengadaan bahan pendukung produksinya. Kinerja di departemen pengadaan dinilai belum memiliki pengelolaan yang baik  dan konsistensi dalam proses pemilihan supplier sehingga apabila hal tersebut dibiarkan maka peluang untuk memperoleh harga terbaik  dari supplier menjadi hilang. Solusi yang diharapkan adalah untuk memberi usulan pengelolaan dalam proses pembelian barang agar terdapat konsistensi dalam proses pemilihan supplier dan memperbesar peluang memperoleh harga terbaik. Manusia memiliki peran dalam setiap tahap produksi di manufaktur. Bagaimana peran manusia dalam penentuan kebijakan pengadaan belum banyak dibahas dalam penelitian sebelumnya. Metode yang mendukung untuk penentuan kebijakan adalah dengan menggunakan analytical hierarchy process. Aspek manusia yang dominan berpengaruh ada empat aspek, dimana aspek ini dipengaruhi oleh pengetahuan dan pengalaman di bidang pengadaan.
Lies, Lies, and Lies. On Truth, Dishonesty, Deception, and Self-Deception
Authors: Löhrer Guido
Published: August 2022

My considerations are typological in nature. A lie is a disingenuous assertion made to another person with the intent of deceiving the other person into believing both that the assertion is true and that the liar believes it to be true. This definition is morally neutral. It requires a further, moral judgment to determine whether a lie is a good or a bad thing, or whether, in specified circumstances, a lie is morally right or wrong. However, what if the truth is not only occasionally contaminated but lies are spread en masse in order to make the addressees question their ability to judge or to induce collective self-deception? Beginning with small-scale use of lies, related variants of dishonesty – especially large scale, propagandistic uses of lies – are conceptually characterized and evaluated. Lies can be systematically distinguished via their purposes.
Tropical island adaptations in Southeast Asia during the Last Glacial Maximum: evidence from Palawan
Authors: Ochoa Janine , Carlos Jane , Lara Myra , de Leon Alexandra , Choa Omar , Cabrera Patricia , Ferreras Maria Rebecca , Manipon Dante Ricardo , Palconit Trishia Gayle , Narte Gaddy , Garong Ame
Published: August 2022

Throughout the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene, humans adapted to significant climate and environmental change. One key region for investigating these adaptive strategies is Island Southeast Asia, where fluctuating sea levels led to dramatic changes in coastlines, vegetation and fauna. The authors present new data from the re-excavation of Pilanduk Cave on Palawan Island, Philippines. The results corroborate the results of earlier excavations that identified Pleistocene occupation of the site. Pilanduk shows evidence for specialised deer hunting and freshwater mollusc consumption during the Last Glacial Maximum. The results add to the evidence for the shifting foraging behaviours of modern humans occupying variable tropical environments across Island Southeast Asia.
Unique Effects of Psychological Distress in Victimization and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Segrin Chris , Cooper R. Amanda
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) reliably co-occurs with psychological distress. However, understanding the precise nature of the association between these two classes of variables, as potential cause or effect, is complicated by the fact that victimization of IPV is not often studied controlling for simultaneous perpetration, and vice versa. It is therefore important to control for one form of IPV when testing predictors of the other to accurately understand the extent to which psychological distress may predispose people to these serious interpersonal problems. Method: Two national survey studies were conducted to test the unique associations between victimization and perpetration of IPV with psychological distress. In the first study, 773 adults completed survey measures of IPV (victimization and perpetration) and psychological distress (depression and stress). In the second study, 389 participants completed the same measures as in Study 1, but at two waves separated by three months (T1-T2 follow-up rate 73%). Results: In study 1, both depression and stress were concurrently associated with perpetrating IPV, when controlling for victimization. However, only depression was associated with victimization, after controlling for perpetration. Results of study 2 showed that both depression and stress are prospectively associated with IPV victimization. However, they are not prospectively associated with IPV perpetration, net the effect of IPV victimization. Discussion: These results are consistent with the interactional model of depression by showing that people with depression, and high levels of stress, are at heightened risk for experiencing IPV, even after controlling for their own propensity to enact IPV.
Objectivity in evaluating professional career development
Authors:   Cracow University of Economics, Blachnicka Klaudia
Published: August 2022

Adopting a proactive attitude focused on professional development is essential in the contemporary, volatile environment. Objective and subjective indicators are used when evaluating the development of a professional career. However, the adequateness of the criteria chosen for evaluation is ambiguous due to the limitations of both objective and subjective measures. In this article, on the basis of a review of literature, objective and subjective measures of professional progression were characterized, and the possible distortions of objective evaluation resulting from applying them were identified. The evolution of the career paradigm results in the need to verify professional development in the modern approach, which strongly highlights the subjective prospects of a professional career that reflect an individually planned concept of oneself. Nevertheless, a possible criticism regarding subjective measures is lack of objectivity in career evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between the objective and subjective measures of professional careers. The study was based on an online questionnaire which covered 190 employees employed in large and medium-sized companies in Poland. The study confirmed the positive relationship between the measures, and shows the direction of the relationship, showing that the subjective and objective criteria commensurately indicate career development. Career satisfaction can be successfully used in the assessment of professional development, thus giving reliable results for its advancement.
Addressing students' perceived value with the virtual university concept
Authors:   College of Economics and Computer Science in Cracow (WSEI), Poland, Ćwiertniak Ryszard , Stach Przemysław ,   College of Economics and Computer Science in Cracow (WSEI), Poland, Kowalska-Jarnot Katarzyna ,   College of Economics and Computer Science in Cracow (WSEI), Poland, Worytkiewicz-Raś Karolina ,   College of Economics and Computer Science in Cracow (WSEI), Poland, Wachułka-Kościuszko Barbara ,   College of Economics and Computer Science in Cracow (WSEI), Poland
Published: August 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation has significantly accelerated in many industries, including somewhat slow-changing higher education. The epidemic situation pushed students, faculties, and administrators to experiment to a much greater degree with online classes, digital cooperation, and virtual student services. For the majority of the academic community, this situation created a completely new reality. Indeed, the digital experience in higher education was for some community members quite challenging, if not traumatic. Fairly soon, however, the digital experiment proved successful in many areas. In some cases, even more effective than conservative practices. The Virtual University Concept (VUC) has been a topic of debate for quite some time, but only now has it found a receptive audience in all sectors of the academic community. In the following articles, the authors will attempt to conceptualize the virtual university as an innovative way to address contemporary challenges for Higher Education Institutions (HEI), specifically their ability to identify, create and capture value for students. The concept of the VUC is grounded in a literature review, the professional experience of the authors, as well as the student survey, which was conducted in one of Cracow’s private colleges. The authors have listed fundamental areas of focus that need to be addressed before attempting to model the VUC. They include the technical and technological capacity of a HEI, faculty development, cost management, innovation, and students' and employers' value perceptions. All this must be done with the goal of providing value to key stakeholders at a reasonable cost. All the authors' inquiry streams seem to suggest that if well designed and implemented, the VUC can be a source of significant value to students and therefore should be considered in HEI expansion and turnaround strategies.
Identification of a Novel Axon Regeneration Role for Noncanonical Wnt Signaling in the Adult Retina after Injury
Authors: Musada Ganeswara Rao , Carmy-Bennun Tal , Hackam Abigail S.
Published: August 2022

Canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways are essential for development and maintenance of the CNS. Whereas the roles of canonical Wnt pathways in neuronal survival and axonal regeneration in adult CNS have been described, the functions of noncanonical Wnt pathways are not well understood. Furthermore, the role of noncanonical Wnt ligands in the adult retina has not been investigated. Noncanonical Wnt signaling shares receptors with canonical Wnt ligands but functions through calcium and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. Noncanonical ligands, such as the prototypic ligand Wnt5a, have varying effects in the developing CNS, including inhibiting or promoting axonal growth. To identify a role for noncanonical Wnt signaling in the developed retina after injury, we characterized the effect of Wnt5a on neurite outgrowth in cultured retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons and on axonal regeneration in the injured optic nerve in the mouse. Endogenous Wnt5a was upregulated after injury and exogenous Wnt5a significantly enhanced neurite growth of primary RGCs and led to extensive axonal regeneration after optic nerve crush (ONC) injury. Wnt5a also significantly increased RGC survival. Furthermore, Wnt5a induced phosphorylation of CamKII and JNK and induced expression of their downstream pathway components. Therefore, these results demonstrate for the first time that Wnt5a promotes axonal growth and protects RGCs in the adult retina.
Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 triggers BRCA2 degradation and promotes DNA damage repair
Authors: Bolgi Oguz , Silva‐Garcia Maria , Ross Breyan , Pilla Esther , Kari Vijayalakshmi , Killisch Markus , Spitzner Melanie , Stark Nadine , Lenz Christof , Weiss Konstantin , Donzelli Laura , Gorrell Mark D , Grade Marian , Riemer Jan , Urlaub Henning , Dobbelstein Matthias , Huber Robert , Geiss‐Friedlander Ruth
Published: August 2022

N‐terminal sequences are important sites for post‐translational modifications that alter protein localization, activity, and stability. Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) is a serine aminopeptidase with the rare ability to cleave off N‐terminal dipeptides with imino acid proline in the second position. Here, we identify the tumor‐suppressor BRCA2 as a DPP9 substrate and show this interaction to be induced by DNA damage. We present crystallographic structures documenting intracrystalline enzymatic activity of DPP9, with the N‐terminal Met1‐Pro2 of a BRCA21‐40 peptide captured in its active site. Intriguingly, DPP9‐depleted cells are hypersensitive to genotoxic agents and are impaired in the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks by homologous recombination. Mechanistically, DPP9 targets BRCA2 for degradation and promotes the formation of RAD51 foci, the downstream function of BRCA2. N‐terminal truncation mutants of BRCA2 that mimic a DPP9 product phenocopy reduced BRCA2 stability and rescue RAD51 foci formation in DPP9‐deficient cells. Taken together, we present DPP9 as a regulator of BRCA2 stability and propose that by fine‐tuning the cellular concentrations of BRCA2, DPP9 alters the BRCA2 interactome, providing a possible explanation for DPP9's role in cancer.
Exploring the antimicrobial properties of vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus against preterm birth-associated bacteria
Authors: Amabebe Emmanuel , Bhatnagar Noopur , Kamble Nitin , Reynolds Steven , Anumba Dilly O
Published: August 2022

Lay summary

The need to develop new treatments to prevent unprompted premature delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy remains pressing and unmet. Bacteria (Lactobacillus species) that promote vaginal health produce biochemical compounds that prevent the growth of microbes such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Overgrowth of G. vaginalis can cause vaginal infection with smelly discharge and increase a woman’s risk of sexually transmitted infections and premature delivery. In this study, we examined how normal health-promoting (L. crispatus) and potentially harmful (G. vaginalis) vaginal bacteria interact in a laboratory setting. This was in order to observe natural and effective agent(s) from L. crispatus that can hinder the growth of G. vaginalis and accompanying immune response. We observed that L. crispatus clears G. vaginalis by itself and with several biochemical compounds that it produces. Such biochemical compounds can be developed into treatment for vaginal infections and premature delivery due to infection and inappropriate immune response.
Un paralelo entre a Teoría Semiolingüística de Análise do Discurso e a literatura crossover
Authors: Vieira Correia Júlia
Published: August 2022

Este traballo ten por obxectivo principal presentar as posíbeis relacións entre a área da lingüística e a área da literatura no que concirne aos álbums ilustrados. Os obxectivos específicos, nese sentido, son detallar aspectos da Teoría Semiolingüística de Análise do Discurso, ben como da Literatura Infantil e Xuvenil e da literatura crossover, amosando os puntos de aproximación relevantes para a análise dalgúns libros clasificados prioritariamente como infantís e xuvenís. Para isto, a fundamentación teórica apoiarase, sobre todo, en estudos de Patrick Charaudeau (2013, 2016, 2018a, 2018b); Sandra Beckett (2009); Ana Margarida Ramos (2014, 2017); Nikolajeva e Scott (2011); Peter Hunt (2010) e Sophie Van der Linden (2011). Como corpus, o estudo conta con títulos de diferentes países, publicados en Brasil nos idiomas orixinais e traducidos: A parte que falta (Silverstein, 2018a); A parte que falta encontra o grande O (Silverstein, 2018b); Fico à espera (Cali, 2007); Flicts (Ziraldo, 2012); e Meninas (Ziraldo, 2016). Espérase comprobar, nos resultados, que as dúas grandes áreas teñen puntos de intersección que se suman, converxendo nunha análise produtiva de fenómenos antigos e actuais na literatura para nenos e mozos ou incluso sen idade.