bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dynamic interplay between chitin synthase and the proteins Expansion/Rebuf reveals that chitin polymerisation and translocation are uncoupled in Drosophila
Authors: De Giorgio Ettore , Giannios Panagiotis , Espinàs M. Lluisa , Llimargas Marta
Published: January 2023

Chitin is a highly abundant polymer in nature and a principal component of apical extracellular matrices in insects. In addition, chitin has proved to be an excellent biomaterial with multiple applications. In spite of its importance, the molecular mechanisms of chitin biosynthesis and chitin structural diversity are not fully elucidated yet. To investigate these issues, we useDrosophilaas a model. We previously showed that chitin deposition in ectodermal tissues requires the concomitant activities of the chitin synthase enzyme Kkv and the functionally interchangeable proteins Exp and Reb. Exp/Reb are conserved proteins, but their mechanism of activity during chitin deposition has not been elucidated yet. Here, we carry out a cellular and molecular analysis of chitin deposition, and we show that chitin polymerisation and chitin translocation to the extracellular space are uncoupled. We find that Kkv activity in chitin translocation, but not in polymerisation, requires the activity of Exp/Reb, and in particular of its conserved Nα-MH2 domain. The activity of Kkv in chitin polymerisation and translocation correlate with Kkv subcellular localisation, and in absence of Kkv-mediated extracellular chitin deposition, chitin accumulates intracellularly as membrane-less punctae. Unexpectedly, we find that although Kkv and Exp/Reb display largely complementary patterns at the apical domain, Exp/Reb activity nonetheless regulates the topological distribution of Kkv at the apical membrane. We propose a model in which Exp/Reb regulate the organisation of Kkv complexes at the apical membrane, which, in turn, regulates the function of Kkv in extracellular chitin translocation.
Intra-tumor heterogeneity, turnover rate and karyotype space shape susceptibility to missegregation-induced extinction
Authors: Kimmel Gregory J. , Beck Richard J. , Yu Xiaoqing , Veith Thomas , Bakhoum Samuel , Altrock Philipp M. , Andor Noemi
Published: January 2023

The phenotypic efficacy of somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) stems from their incidence per base pair of the genome, which is orders of magnitudes greater than that of point mutations. One mitotic event stands out in its potential to significantly change a cell’s SCNA burden–a chromosome missegregation. A stochastic model of chromosome mis-segregations has been previously developed to describe the evolution of SCNAs of a single chromosome type. Building upon this work, we derive a general deterministic framework for modeling missegregations of multiple chromosome types. The framework offers flexibility to model intra-tumor heterogeneity in the SCNAs of all chromosomes, as well as in missegregation- and turnover rates. The model can be used to test how selection acts upon coexisting karyotypes over hundreds of generations. We use the model to calculate missegregation-induced population extinction (MIE) curves, that separate viable from non-viable populations as a function of their turnover- and missegregation rates. Turnover- and missegregation rates estimated from scRNA-seq data are then compared to theoretical predictions. We find convergence of theoretical and empirical results in both the location of MIE curves and the necessary conditions for MIE. When a dependency of missegregation rate on karyotype is introduced, karyotypes associated with low missegregation rates act as a stabilizing refuge, rendering MIE impossible unless turnover rates are exceedingly high. Intra-tumor heterogeneity, including heterogeneity in missegregation rates, increases as tumors progress, rendering MIE unlikely.
Deciphering the RRM-RNA recognition code: A computational analysis
Authors: Roca-Martínez Joel , Dhondge Hrishikesh , Sattler Michael , Vranken Wim F.
Published: January 2023

RNA recognition motifs (RRM) are the most prevalent class of RNA binding domains in eucaryotes. Their RNA binding preferences have been investigated for almost two decades, and even though some RRM domains are now very well described, their RNA recognition code has remained elusive. An increasing number of experimental structures of RRM-RNA complexes has become available in recent years. Here, we perform an in-depth computational analysis to derive an RNA recognition code for canonical RRMs. We present and validate a computational scoring method to estimate the binding between an RRM and a single stranded RNA, based on structural data from a carefully curated multiple sequence alignment, which can predict RRM binding RNA sequence motifs based on the RRM protein sequence. Given the importance and prevalence of RRMs in humans and other species, this tool could help design RNA binding motifs with uses in medical or synthetic biology applications, leading towards the de novo design of RRMs with specific RNA recognition.
Social determinants of health and COVID-19: An evaluation of racial and ethnic disparities in attitudes, practices, and mental health
Authors: Patel Jenil R. , Brown Clare C. , Prewitt T. Elaine , Alfanek Zain , Stewart M. Kathryn
Published: January 2023

Previous evaluations have reported racial minorities feel they are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, but that on average, they have better preventative practices, such as wearing face masks and avoiding large gatherings. In this study, we explored associations between social determinants of health (SDOH), race and ethnicity, COVID-19 practices and attitudes, and mental health outcomes during the pandemic. We examined associations between SDOHs and practices, attitudes, and mental health symptoms by race and ethnicity using multivariable linear and logistic regressions in 8582 Arkansan pulse poll respondents (September—December, 2020). Compared to White respondents, mean attitude and practice scores were greater (indicating safer) among Black (4.90 vs. 3.45 for attitudes; 2.63 vs. 2.41 for practices) and Hispanic respondents (4.26 vs. 3.45 for attitudes; 2.50 vs. 2.41 for practices). Respondents’ SDOH scores by race/ethnicity were: White (3.65), Black (3.33), and Hispanic (3.22). Overall, attitude and practice scores decreased by 0.35 and 0.09, respectively, for every one-point increase in SDOH. Overall, a one-point increase in SDOH was associated with 76% and 85% increased odds of screening negative for anxiety and depression, respectively. To conclude, underlying social inequities are likely driving safer attitudes, practices, and worse anxiety and depression symptoms in Black and Hispanic Arkansans. In terms of policy implications, our study supports the urgency of addressing SDOHs for rural states similar to Arkansas.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment and therapeutic outcomes in special populations: A collaborative retrospective study
Authors: Castro Maria del Mar , Rode Joelle , Machado Paulo R. L. , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , Hueb Marcia , Cota Gláucia , Rojas Isis Valentina , Orobio Yenifer , Oviedo Sarmiento Oscar , Rojas Ernesto , Quintero Juliana , Pimentel Maria Inês Fernandes , Soto Jaime , Suprien Carvel , Alvarez Fiorela , Ramos Ana Pilar , Arantes Rayssa Basílio dos Santos , da Silva Rosiana Estéfane , Arenas Claudia Marcela , Vélez Ivan Darío , Lyra Marcelo Rosandiski , Saravia Nancy Gore , Arana Byron , Alexander Neal
Published: January 2023

Background

Treatment guidance for children and older adult patients affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is unclear due to limited representation of these groups in clinical trials.

Methods

We conducted a collaborative retrospective study to describe the effectiveness and safety of antileishmanial treatments in children ≤ 10 and adults ≥ 60 years of age, treated between 2014 and 2018 in ten CL referral centers in Latin America.

Results

2,037 clinical records were assessed for eligibility. Of them, the main reason for non-inclusion was lack of data on treatment follow-up and therapeutic response (182/242, 75% of children and 179/468, 38% of adults). Data on 1,325 eligible CL patients (736 children and 589 older adults) were analyzed. In both age groups, disease presentation was mild, with a median number of lesions of one (IQR: 1–2) and median lesion diameter of less than 3 cm. Less than 50% of the patients had data for two or more follow-up visits post-treatment (being only 28% in pediatric patients). Systemic antimonials were the most common monotherapy regimen in both age groups (590/736, 80.2% of children and 308/589, 52.3% of older adults) with overall cure rates of 54.6% (95% CI: 50.5–58.6%) and 68.2% (95% CI: 62.6–73.4%), respectively. Other treatments used include miltefosine, amphotericin B, intralesional antimonials, and pentamidine. Adverse reactions related to the main treatment were experienced in 11.9% (86/722) of children versus 38.4% (206/537) of older adults. Most adverse reactions were of mild intensity.

Conclusion

Our findings support the need for greater availability and use of alternatives to systemic antimonials, particularly local therapies, and development of strategies to improve patient follow-up across the region, with special attention to pediatric populations.
Farmers’ perceptions on tomato early blight, fungicide use factors and awareness of fungicide resistance: Insights from a field survey in Kenya
Authors: Nuwamanya Andrew M. , Runo Steven , Mwangi Maina
Published: January 2023

Early blight (EB) caused by Alternaria solani is one of the most devastating tomato diseases in Kenya and is most often managed by application of synthetic fungicides. However, there have been reports from farmers about the declining efficacy of some fungicides. These reports suggest that A. solani populations in Kenya could be developing resistance to some of the commonly used fungicides. In this study, we surveyed 175 tomato fields, sampled in 3 major tomato producing counties in Kenya, to determine the status of EB, management practices, and fungicide use factors that could contribute to development of resistance to fungicides among A. solani populations in Kenya. Data was recorded on farm characteristics, EB prevalence, fungicide usage, and farmers’ perceptions on fungicide efficacy. EB was prevalent in 85% of the fields and 90% of the farmers identified it as a major cause of yield loss. Tomato was grown all year round on 60% of the fields with only short fallow periods. All farmers reported that they were relying on fungicides for EB control and none among the cultivars grown was resistant to the disease. A total of 40 fungicide products, representing 20 active compounds with varying FRAC resistance risk levels were in use against EB. Majority (83%) of the farmers were applying fungicides at dosages and frequencies higher than those indicated on labels. Most farmers (81%) indicated that they had observed declines in effectiveness of at least one fungicide, used at EB control. This observation was more with fungicides in the strobilurin and triazole groups. These findings demonstrate that the current tomato production systems in Kenya do not take into account the risk of A. solani developing resistance to fungicides. Enhancing farmers’ knowledge of the disease and their ability to properly select and apply fungicides is therefore crucial for effective control of EB and mitigating the high risk of fungicide resistance build up.
Hybrid PBL and Pure PBL: Which one is more effective in developing clinical reasoning skills for general medicine clerkship?—A mixed-method study
Authors: Ishizuka Kosuke , Shikino Kiyoshi , Tamura Hiroki , Yokokawa Daiki , Yanagita Yasutaka , Uchida Shun , Yamauchi Yosuke , Hayashi Yasushi , Kojima Jumpei , Li Yu , Sato Eri , Yamashita Shiho , Hanazawa Nao , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Noda Kazutaka , Uehara Takanori , Ikusaka Masatomi
Published: January 2023

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Hybrid and Pure problem-based learning (PBL) in teaching clinical reasoning skills to medical students. The study sample consisted of 99 medical students participating in a clerkship rotation at the Department of General Medicine, Chiba University Hospital. They were randomly assigned to Hybrid PBL (intervention group, n = 52) or Pure PBL group (control group, n = 47). The quantitative outcomes were measured with the students’ perceived competence in PBL, satisfaction with sessions, and self-evaluation of competency in clinical reasoning. The qualitative component consisted of a content analysis on the benefits of learning clinical reasoning using Hybrid PBL. There was no significant difference between intervention and control groups in the five students’ perceived competence and satisfaction with sessions. In two-way repeated measure analysis of variance, self-evaluation of competency in clinical reasoning was significantly improved in the intervention group in "recalling appropriate differential diagnosis from patient’s chief complaint" (F(1,97) = 5.295, p = 0.024) and "practicing the appropriate clinical reasoning process" (F(1,97) = 4.016, p = 0.038). According to multiple comparisons, the scores of "recalling appropriate history, physical examination, and tests on clinical hypothesis generation" (F(1,97) = 6.796, p = 0.011), "verbalizing and reflecting appropriately on own mistakes," (F(1,97) = 4.352, p = 0.040) "selecting keywords from the whole aspect of the patient," (F(1,97) = 5.607, p = 0.020) and "examining the patient while visualizing his/her daily life" (F(1,97) = 7.120, p = 0.009) were significantly higher in the control group. In the content analysis, 13 advantage categories of Hybrid PBL were extracted. In the subcategories, "acquisition of knowledge" was the most frequent subcategory, followed by "leading the discussion," "smooth discussion," "getting feedback," "timely feedback," and "supporting the clinical reasoning process." Hybrid PBL can help acquire practical knowledge and deepen understanding of clinical reasoning, whereas Pure PBL can improve several important skills such as verbalizing and reflecting on one’s own errors and selecting appropriate keywords from the whole aspect of the patient.
The Treatment Expectation Questionnaire (TEX-Q): Validation of a generic multidimensional scale measuring patients’ treatment expectations
Authors: Shedden-Mora Meike C. , Alberts Jannis , Petrie Keith J. , Laferton Johannes A. C. , von Blanckenburg Pia , Kohlmann Sebastian , Nestoriuc Yvonne , Löwe Bernd
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients’ expectations, as a central mechanism behind placebo and nocebo effects, are an important predictor of health outcomes. Yet, theoretically based generic assessment tools allowing for an integrated understanding of expectations across conditions and treatments are lacking. Based on the preliminary 35-item version, this study reports the development and validation of the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire (TEX-Q), a generic, multidimensional self-report scale measuring patients’ expectations of medical and psychological treatments.

Methods

The TEX-Q was developed in a validation sample of n = 251 patients undergoing different treatments using exploratory factor analyses and item analyses, as well as analysis of convergent and divergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in an independent sample of n = 303 patients undergoing cancer treatment. Two-weeks test-retest reliability was assessed in n = 28 psychosomatic outpatients.

Results

Factor analyses revealed six theoretically founded stable subscales. The TEX-Q assesses expectations of treatment benefit, positive impact, adverse events, negative impact, process and behavioural control with a total of 15 items. Results for the subscales and the sum score indicated good internal consistency (α = .71-.92), moderate to high test-retest reliability (r = .39-.76) as well as good convergent validity with regard to other expectation measures (r = .42-.58) and divergent validity with regard to measures of generalized expectations (r < .32) and psychopathology (r < .28).

Conclusions

While further validation is needed, the results suggest that the TEX-Q is a valid and reliable scale for the generic, multidimensional assessment of patients’ treatment expectations. The TEX-Q overcomes constraints of ad-hoc and disease-specific scales, while allowing to compare the impact of different expectation constructs across conditions and treatments.
dSmad2 differentially regulates dILP2 and dILP5 in insulin producing and circadian pacemaker cells in unmated adult females
Authors: Goldsmith Samuel L. , Newfeld Stuart J.
Published: January 2023

Much is known about environmental influences on metabolism and systemic insulin levels. Less is known about how those influences are translated into molecular mechanisms regulating insulin production. To better understand the molecular mechanisms we generated marked cells homozygous for a null mutation in the Drosophila TGF-β signal transducer dSmad2 in unmated adult females. We then conducted side-by-side single cell comparisons of the pixel intensity of two Drosophila insulin-like peptides (dILP2 and dILP5) in dSmad2- mutant and wild type insulin producing cells (IPCs). The analysis revealed multiple features of dSmad2 regulation of dILPs. In addition, we discovered that dILP5 is expressed and regulated by dSmad2 in circadian pacemaker cells (CPCs). Outcomes of regulation by dSmad2 differ between dILP2 and dILP5 within IPCs and differ for dILP5 between IPCs and CPCs. Modes of dSmad2 regulation differ between dILP2 and dILP5. dSmad2 antagonism of dILP2 in IPCs is robust but dSmad2 regulation of dILP5 in IPCs and CPCs toggles between antagonism and agonism depending upon dSmad2 dosage. Companion studies of dILP2 and dILP5 in the IPCs of dCORL mutant (fussel in Flybase and SKOR in mammals) and upd2 mutant unmated adult females showed no significant difference from wild type. Taken together, the data suggest that dSmad2 regulates dILP2 and dILP5 via distinct mechanisms in IPCs (antagonist) and CPCs (agonist) and in unmated adult females that dSmad2 acts independently of dCORL and upd2.
Mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students returning to face-to-face learning after Covid-19 restrictions
Authors: Liverpool Shaun , Moinuddin Mohammed , Aithal Supritha , Owen Michael , Bracegirdle Katie , Caravotta Meggie , Walker Rachel , Murphy Ciaran , Karkou Vicky
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to examine the mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students and the associating factors after returning to face-to-face (in-person) learning after Covid-19 restrictions.

Methods

A cross-sectional study informed by student consultations was conducted using a survey design. Mental health and wellbeing were assessed using self-report items on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on data collected between December 2021 and June 2022.

Results

N = 1160 students participated; 69.6% between 16 and 25 years, 67.9% studying in the UK, 66.5% studying away from home, 60.2% identified as she/her, 59.8% studying at the undergraduate degree level, 42.5% belonging to non-White ethnic backgrounds, 29.6% identifying as having additional needs and 22.8% as sexual minority. Moderate anxiety (M = 13.67, SD = 9.92) and depression (M = 17.04, SD = 11.56) scores were mainly reported. Wellbeing scores (M = 20.31, SD = 3.93) were lower than the estimate for the pre-pandemic general population. Gender expression, sexuality, age, ethnicity, having additional needs, and level and location of study was associated with mental health or wellbeing. Individual coping styles, levels of self-efficacy and physical activity were also associated with mental health or wellbeing.

Conclusions

Many students returning to further and higher education after Covid-19 restrictions experienced reduced mental health and wellbeing, and some students were at greater risk. Providing student-centred interventions focusing on self-efficacy, coping styles and physical activity may help improve the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Doxycycline for the prevention of progression of COVID-19 to severe disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission: A randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel group trial (DOXPREVENT.ICU)
Authors: Dhar Raja , Kirkpatrick John , Gilbert Laura , Khanna Arjun , Modi Mahavir Madhavdas , Chawla Rakesh K. , Dalal Sonia , Maturu Venkata Nagarjuna , Stern Marcel , Keppler Oliver T. , Djukanovic Ratko , Gadola Stephan D.
Published: January 2023

Background

After admission to hospital, COVID-19 progresses in a substantial proportion of patients to critical disease that requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Methods

In a pragmatic, non-blinded trial, 387 patients aged 40–90 years were randomised to receive treatment with SoC plus doxycycline (n = 192) or SoC only (n = 195). The primary outcome was the need for ICU admission as judged by the attending physicians. Three types of analyses were carried out for the primary outcome: “Intention to treat” (ITT) based on randomisation; “Per protocol” (PP), excluding patients not treated according to randomisation; and “As treated” (AT), based on actual treatment received. The trial was undertaken in six hospitals in India with high-quality ICU facilities. An online application serving as the electronic case report form was developed to enable screening, randomisation and collection of outcomes data.

Results

Adherence to treatment per protocol was 95.1%. Among all 387 participants, 77 (19.9%) developed critical disease needing ICU admission. In all three primary outcome analyses, doxycycline was associated with a relative risk reduction (RRR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR): ITT 31.6% RRR, 7.4% ARR (P = 0.063); PP 40.7% RRR, 9.6% ARR (P = 0.017); AT 43.2% RRR, 10.8% ARR (P = 0.007), with numbers needed to treat (NTT) of 13.4 (ITT), 10.4 (PP), and 9.3 (AT), respectively. Doxycycline was well tolerated with not a single patient stopping treatment due to adverse events.

Conclusions

In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, doxycycline, a safe, inexpensive, and widely available antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the need for ICU admission when added to SoC.
Empirical research on the friction behavior of O-rings in hydraulic cylinders
Authors: Qin Zhen , Wu Yu-Ting , He Lei , Gao Xiang , Lyu Sung-Ki
Published: January 2023

Mechanical products are becoming more diversified with the continuous development of precision processing and materials technologies. The friction force generated by the O-ring seal in a hydraulic cylinder was once considered redundant. However, its utilization has recently been proposed. The hardness of the O-ring and the inner diameter of its groove directly affect the normal pressure between the O-ring and the inner wall of the cylinder, thereby affecting the friction behavior. In order to explore this friction behavior, a strain-based friction force measurement system is developed in this study, and the steady-state and dynamic friction values under different working conditions are studied and discussed in depth. This research on the friction behavior in the cylinder provides a theoretical basis for more convenient design and utilization of the friction force generated between the O-ring and the inner wall of the cylinder.
Macroeconomic factors affecting FDI in the African region
Authors: Rathnayake Sashini , Jayakody Sanjula , Wannisinghe Pasindu , Wijayasinghe Deshani , Jayathilaka Ruwan , Madhavika Naduni
Published: January 2023

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) occurs when one country invests in another. Multiple factors have contributed to fluctuations in FDI flows globally. This study investigates the impact of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) and Interest Rates (IR) on FDI in the African region. The study is significant because the African region is underdeveloped and with an unstable macroeconomic environment. Data were collected for 26 countries in the African region for the years 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018 and analysed using Panel Regression and Multiple Linear Regression models. The study’s findings concluded that LPI, GCI, and IR are three major macroeconomic factors impacting FDI inflows. The results indicated that LPI positively impacts FDI in Gambia, Lesotho and Rwanda, while in contrast, LPI impacts FDI negatively in Mauritius. GCI has a positive impact on FDI in Algeria and Lesotho with a negative impact in Rwanda, Mauritius and Namibia. Moreover, IR has a negative impact on FDI in Algeria, Rwanda and Mauritius with a positive impact in Lesotho. Policymakers should pay more attention to the infrastructure development and management of macroeconomic and other factors affecting FDI.
Topologies of Air and the Airspace Tribunal: Shona Illingworth and Anthony Downey
Authors: Illingworth Shona , Downey Anthony
Published: January 2023

Can we deploy creative practices to critically address the fatal interlocking of global surveillance technologies, neo-colonial expansionism, environmental degradation and the lethal threat of drone warfare? Throughout the following conversation, Shona Illingworth and Anthony Downey examine these and other questions in relation to the recent publication of Topologies of Air (Sternberg Press and The Power Plant, 2022). Edited by Downey, the book includes discussion and documentation of two major bodies of work by Illingworth, including Topologies of Air (2021) and Lesions in the Landscape (2015), alongside an extended series of essays that analyse the psychological and environmental impact of military, industrial and corporate transformations of airspace and outer space. Employing interdisciplinary research and collaborative processes, Illingworth’s practice, as detailed in the discussion below, uses creative methodologies to visualize and interrogate this proliferating exploitation of airspace. The conversation between Illingworth and Downey also outlines the work of the Airspace Tribunal, an ongoing series of public hearings that brings together diverse disciplines, methodologies, knowledge and lived experiences to propose a new human right that will counter the colonization of the sky and, in time, protect individuals, communities and ecologies from ever-increasing threats from above.
One face, millions of faces: Computer vision as hyperobject
Authors: Yiu Sheung
Published: January 2023

Borrowing Timothy Morton’s notion of hyperobject, this article explores questions of network and scale in generative adversarial networks (GAN) images. In this context, the term network refers to the omnipresence of algorithmic images today and their significant impact on our lives. Such images are massively distributed in time and space beyond any sensible human-scale. Scale, in this context, denotes the relations between different operational layers of algorithmic images, such as the pictorial layer in contrast to the data layer. An algorithmic image is simultaneously a visual image, a symbol, a data point and part of a mass visual milieu. Its meaning is thus polymorphic and can, arguably, never be exhausted. The article explores these terms through analysis of the website www.thispersondoesnotexist.com.
Jpegs: Thomas Ruff and the horror of digital photography
Authors: Rothwell Ian
Published: January 2023

This article analyses the aesthetics of digital compression as revealed in Thomas Ruff’s Jpegs series of photographs (2004–07). These images exhibit a poor standard of digital picture resolution fixed as large-scale, high-quality, lustrous C-type photographic prints. With reference to Vilém Flusser’s writing on photography, I argue that Ruff’s work discloses a ‘horror of digital photography’: a system of automated representation, which inverts our relationship to the photographic image.
Investigative Aesthetics: Conflicts and Commons in the Politics of Truth, Matthew Fuller and Eyal Weizman (2021)
Authors: Watson Thomas
Published: January 2023

Review of: Investigative Aesthetics: Conflicts and Commons in the Politics of Truth, Matthew Fuller and Eyal Weizman (2021)

London: Verso, 272 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78873-908-5, p/bk, £14.99
Excerpts from Everything Is a Projection (2020–present): Digital photography and 3D photogrammetry
Authors: Yiu Sheung
Published: January 2023

In three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics, photography is treated not as the final product but as data to be extracted, information to be mapped onto and raw material to augment 3D models. Texture maps, normal maps and bump maps, created from photographic data, describe the reflectance properties of an object in a virtual scene. They give instructions to the render engine to calculate the correct pixel value, generating a near imperceptibly natural scene for the human eye. Computer graphics utilizes a network of images taken from different perspectives and at different scales to achieve photorealism. The project investigates one of many algorithmic visual systems that act as a backbone of virtual reality and gaming.
Efficacy validation of a low-cost handmade simulator (SIMCA-COW) in palpation, ultrasonography evaluation, and artificial insemination in cows
Authors: da Silva Carolina Balão , Pinto Elvira Matilla
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim: Using simulators in high education enables practical training by repetition in circumstances close to reality reducing the stress of both animal and operator. The limited resources of veterinary schools, the increase in the number of students in lecture halls, and the low availability of animals for teaching due to welfare regulations, reduce teaching opportunities with live animals being simulator as the better alternative. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a low-cost handmade simulator (SIMCA-COW) in eight veterinary students inexperienced in palpation, ultrasonography evaluation, and artificial insemination in cows. Materials and Methods: Two sets of exercises were carried out: structure localization by rectal palpation and ultrasonography were evaluated by the inexpert veterinary students in the SIMCA-COW simulator. Also, evaluated the length of time to insert the insemination catheter through the cervix in the inert simulator during four sessions. Results: All the students were able to palpate both structures and to locate the body and both uterine horns by ultrasonography. Cervix and follicles were located by 5/8 (62.5%) students and 3/8 (37.5%) students found the corpus luteum by ultrasonography. A reduction in time span between the first and fourth intrauterine insemination attempts was observed (8.26 ± 2.7 vs. 3.69 ± 1.7; mean ± standard error; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The simulator validated in this study (SIMCA-COW) allows training and learning by repetition, saving the limitations found in live animal practice.
Positive radial solutions for a class of quasilinear Schrödinger equations in

R

3
Authors: Wang Zhongxiang , Jia Gao , Hu Weifeng
Published: January 2023

This paper is concerned with the following quasilinear Schrödinger equations of the form:

−

Δ

u
−

u
Δ

(

u
2

)
+
u
=

|

u

|

p
−

2

u
,

x
∈

R

3

,

where
p
∈

(

2
,
12

)

. By making use of the constrained minimization method on a special manifold, we prove that the existence of positive radial solutions of the above problem for any
p
∈

(

2
,
12

)

.
Uniqueness and Liouville type results for radial solutions of some classes of
k
-Hessian equations
Authors: Ben Chrouda Mohamed
Published: January 2023

We establish a uniqueness theorem and a Liouville type result for positive radial solutions of some classes of nonlinear autonomous equation with the

k
-Hessian operator. We also give some interesting qualitative properties of solutions. We provide an approach, based upon a Pohozaev-type identity, that unifies all our results.
Asymptotic behavior of multiple solutions for quasilinear Schrödinger
equations
Authors: Zhang Xian , Huang Chen
Published: January 2023

This paper establishes the multiplicity of solutions for a class of quasilinear Schrödinger elliptic equations:
−

Δ

u
+
V
(
x
)
u
−

γ

2

Δ

(

u

2

)
u
=
f
(
x
,
u
)
,

x
∈

R

3

,
where
V
(
x
)
:

R

3

→

R

is a given potential and
γ

>
0
. Furthermore, by the variational argument and

L

∞

-estimates, we are able to obtain the precise asymptotic behavior of these solutions as
γ

→

0

+

.
On a generalized cyclic-type system of difference equations with
maximum
Authors: Stefanidou Gesthimani , Papaschinopoulos Garyfalos
Published: January 2023

In this paper we investigate the behaviour of the solutions of the following
k
-dimensional cyclic system of difference equations with maximum:

x
i

(
n
+
1
)

=
max

{

A
i

,

x
i
p

(
n
)

x

i
+
1

q

(
n
−

1
)

}

,

i
=
1
,
2
,
…

,
k
−

1
,

x
k

(
n
+
1
)

=
max

{

A
k

,

x
k
p

(
n
)

x
1
q

(
n
−

1
)

}

where
n
=
0
,
1
,
…

,

A
i

>
1
, for
i
=
1
,
2
,
…

,
k
, whereas the exponents
p
,
q
and the initial values

x
i

(
−

1
)
,

x
i

(
0
)
,
i
=
1
,
2
,
…

,
k
are positive real numbers.
A nontrivial solution for a nonautonomous Choquard equation with
general nonlinearity
Authors: Ding Ling , Liu Jiu , Yuan Yan-Xiang
Published: January 2023

With the help of the monotonicity trick, a nonautonomous Choquard
equations with general nonlinearity is studied and a nontrivial solution is
obtained.
Existence and blow-up of global solutions for a class of fractional
Lane–Emden heat flow system
Authors: Ma Yunxing , Yuan Zixia
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider a class of Lane–Emden heat flow system with the fractional Laplacian

{

u

t

+
(
−

Δ

)

α

2

u
=

N

1

(
v
)
+

f

1

(
x
)
,

 
(
x
,
t
)
∈

Q
,

v

t

+
(
−

Δ

)

α

2

v
=

N

2

(
u
)
+

f

2

(
x
)
,

 
(
x
,
t
)
∈

Q
,

u
(
x
,
0
)
=
a
(
x
)
,
v
(
x
,
0
)
=
b
(
x
)
,

 
x
∈

R

N

,

where
0
<
α

≤

2
,

N
≥

3
,

Q
:=

R

N

×

(

0
,
+
∞

)

,

f

i

(
x
)
∈

L

l
o
c

1

(

R

N

)

(
i
=
1
,
2
)
are nonnegative functions. We study the relationship between the existence, blow-up of the global solutions for the above system and the indexes
p
,
q
in the nonlinear terms

N

1

(
v
)
,

N

2

(
u
)
. Here, we first establish the existence and uniqueness of the global solutions in the supercritical case by using Duhamel's integral equivalent system and the contraction mapping principle, and we further obtain some relevant properties of the global solutions. Next, in the critical case, we prove the blow-up of nonnegative solutions for the system by utilizing some heat kernel estimates and combining with proof by contradiction. Finally, by means of the test function method, we investigate the blow-up of negative solutions for the Cauchy problem of a more general higher-order nonlinear evolution system with the fractional Laplacian in the subcritical case.
Half-linear differential equations: Regular variation, principal
solutions, and asymptotic classes
Authors: Řehák Pavel
Published: January 2023

We are interested in the structure of the solution space of
second-order half-linear differential equations taking into account various
classifications regarding asymptotics of solutions. We focus on an
exhaustive analysis of the relations among several types of classes which
include the classes constructed with respect to the values of the limits of
solutions and their quasiderivatives, the classes of regularly varying
solutions, the classes of principal and nonprincipal solutions, and the
classes of the solutions that obey certain asymptotic formulae. Many of our
observations are new even in the case of linear differential equations, and
we provide also the revision of existing results.
On some classes of solvable difference equations related to iteration
processes
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: January 2023

We present several classes of nonlinear difference equations
solvable in closed form, which can be obtained from some known iteration
processes, and for some of them we give some generalizations by presenting
methods for constructing them. We also conduct several analyses and give
many comments related to the difference equations and iteration processes.
The effectiveness of the sports management system in Europe: High achievements, public funding and a healthy lifestyle
Authors: Koibichuk Vitaliia , Drozd Serhii , Somogyi Angéla
Published: January 2023

The article proposes an original approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the sports management system, which differs from the classical linear and non-linear optimization methods due to its use of quantile regression models. Three main indicators were chosen for creating the quantile regressions: (i) number of participants in the Olympic Games - as a feature of the effectiveness of the high-achievement sports; (ii) total number of people engaged in sports - as a feature of an effective mass sports system, which ensures a healthy lifestyle of the population; and (iii) state expenses on recreational and sports services. The quality of quantile regressions was validated by the Fisher test and the two-factor variance analysis. The research focused on the data of 30 European countries, which officially and publicly provide access to statistical reports on these issues. The countries were divided into two groups with above-average and below-average effectiveness of the sports management system. Two hypotheses were proposed and tested in the study. Hypothesis H1 was that the effectiveness of high-achievement sports depends on the amount of state funding for developing the sports industry. Research results confirmed this hypothesis for countries with an above-average level of sports management system effectiveness, but refuted it for the other group. Hypothesis H2 stated that the more massive the development of sport in a country, i.e., the more people are engaged in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle, the more likely this country is to achieve victories in high-achievement sports. This hypothesis was confirmed for both groups of countries.
Economic development and income inequality: Role in country resistance to COVID-19
Authors: Vasylieva Tetiana , Vysochyna Alina , Filep Bálint
Published: January 2023

The pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) significantly slowed economic development and exacerbated income inequality. However, the scale of this destructive influence varies considerably among countries. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify changes in causality patterns between economic development and income inequality due to COVID-19. To fulfill the task, an Index of Economic Development (IED) is developed using the multivariate analysis tools, Cronbach's alpha and the Fishburn formula. The Gini index was chosen as a core proxy of social inequality. The research covers a sample of 15 European countries. The period of the analysis is 2000-2021. A set of regression equations are constructed to determine the relationship between economic development and income inequality in the studied countries. A dummy variable is integrated into the equation to determine the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Modeling is carried out on the panel data. The most acceptable functional form of the regression model is clarified based on the Hausman test. Modeling results make it possible to identify patterns of changes in the impact of income inequality on economic development, and vice versa. The change in their causality due to COVID-19 is substantiated.
Entrepreneurship in university: A logit methodological evaluation in an emerging economy
Authors: Rodríguez Loor Grace , Muñoz-Fernández Guzmán
Published: January 2023

Self-employment has now become one of the most important access routes to the labor market in emerging economies. In these countries, the role of women entrepreneurs is fundamental not only for their economic development but also to fight against the gender gap. The university, as an institution, is a hub of potential entrepreneurs, which could help reduce these differences. This work explores if there is a gender gap in the inclination towards entrepreneurship among university students from a developing country (Ecuador) and the determining factors of entrepreneurial intention by gender. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study analyzes the moderating role of gender in university entrepreneurship. Multivariate logit regression was used to examine motivational factors (personal attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) that favor entrepreneurial intention. The data reveals that entrepreneurial intention is lower among female students. The determinants of entrepreneurial intention are different by gender. The study contributes to a better understanding of the role of gender in entrepreneurial behavior.
Social capital and spread of COVID-19 in Poland – do membership, trust, norms and values or shared narratives matter?
Authors: Markowska-Przybyła Urszula , Grześkowiak Alicja
Published: January 2023

The experience of the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic can be a source of valuable information for public health authorities. As we have seen, the incidence is not evenly distributed in space, and the factors influencing it are not fully understood. Aspects of biological, demographic, economic, environmental, and political nature are considered, but it is believed that the social factor may be of critical importance. The density and intensity of social relations, general trust and trust in the authorities, norms and values – i.e., social capital – may have a key impact on the scale of infections. The research conducted so far on this subject does not provide clear conclusions, and the post-communist society, inferior in social capital, has hardly been analyzed. Using data for 73 subregions of Poland and performing regression analysis, we investigate how social capital explains the level of infection rate in the first three waves of the epidemic. The analysis results have shown that the factor of “political leaning” was strongly and negatively related to the infection rate in Poland. The research results indicate that, contrary to the previous studies, structural capital has the same positive effect on reducing the epidemic. However, relational social capital promotes more significant morbidity.
The relationship between public debt and economic growth: The case of Azerbaijan
Authors: Jabiyev Farid , Asgarov Aghamir , Heydarli Tutu
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the relationship between public debt and economic growth in Azerbaijan by applying FMOLS model to data from 1995 to 2020. The findings of the study show that government debt negatively affects economic growth. They also indicate that a 1% growth in export and real exchange rate increases GDP by 0.209% and 0.202%, respectively. The results of this study are useful for policymakers and they advance the economic literature to facilitate further research into developing oil-rich countries.
Country performance in e-sport: Social and economic development determinants
Authors: Kashcha Mariia , Yatsenko Valerii , Gyömörei Tamás
Published: January 2023

The article examines the cases of 18 countries that have been consistently ranked by Esports Earnings over the past ten years to find the social and economic determinants that may determine a country’s success in the international e-sports arena. In the study, indicators of a country’s cybersports success consider the annual volume of prizes won by its e-sportsmen, the ranking place in the world rankings and the total number of e-sportsmen. The hypothesis about the possible influence of a number of macroeconomic indicators, as well as the characteristics of the overall level of social stability on the development of e-sports within the country, was put forward and verified. The scientific landscape of research on cybersports, published in Scopus (by prevailing research topics, the geography of research network leaders, and the evolution of scientific search), was structured using the VOSviewer toolkit. By means of canonical analysis, pairwise relationships in the chain “economic development – social development – e-sports development,” as well as determinants with strong intragroup and intergroup relationships, have been revealed; and these relationships were quantified in the aggregate by means of structural modeling. The results of the calculations showed that the economic stability of the country rather than social stability has a greater influence on its success in the international e-sports arena. The most relevant indicators of economic development, considering success in e-sports, are GDP, unemployment rate and direct foreign investments, social development – poverty rate, population migration and Gini coefficient.
The efficiency of municipal waste management systems in the environmental context in the European Union
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas
Published: January 2023

Performance criteria of non-energy materials hold an important place in the system of indicators of the green growth strategy. Management of generated municipal waste and its effectiveness depend to a large extent on the ratio of the amount of incinerated, recycled or composted waste to the amount taken to landfills. This ratio is tied to the level of economic development of the country. The conducted research revealed several regularities in the management of generated municipal waste. As the country's economic conditions improve the amount of generated municipal waste increases while the share sent to landfills decreases, and vice versa ‒ less economically developed European Union countries are characterized by a lower amount of generated waste, but a larger amount of it sent to landfills. Multi-criteria methods were used in order to compare countries according to the efficiency of their municipal waste management system in an environmental context. Such assessment entails combining the components into one summarizing measure and taking into account the impact of these components on the environment at the same time. The ranking of the countries revealed that higher efficiency is found in the more economically developed countries of the European Union even though the amount of municipal waste generated in them is higher too. It also became apparent that as it grew, the efficiency gradually decreased.
Global performance strategies in leading Japanese automotive organisations
Authors: Blahová Michaela , Haghirian Parissa , Pálka Přemysl , Urbánek Tomáš
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation between the evaluation of performance strategies in leading automotive organisations located in Japan during four economically significant periods. Furthermore, the article aims to determine key performance factors that have had an influence on automotive organisations in the most recent and current period. The sample group includes 14 large and very large corporations. This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. A questionnaire was created as part of the research and was pre-tested in order to increase its internal validity. The actual survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews with managers at the top management level. To address the aim, non-parametric statistical methods have been used (Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation), mainly due to the relatively small testing sample of companies and the Shapiro-Wilk test failing at the five percent level of significance. Additionally, exploratory data analysis methods have been applied. Despite the noticeable deviation in the period of economic recession, the results indicate an increase in the significance of the individual factors in the periods in question. Another interesting finding is the growing power of factors oriented at innovation and the future environment. This means that, for the companies, measuring these factors will be crucial henceforth.