bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior antiviral treatment and mortality among patients with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A national cohort study
Authors: Sinn Dong Hyun , Kang Danbee , Hong Yun Soo , Koh Kwang Cheol , Guallar Eliseo , Cho Juhee , Gwak Geum-Youn
Published: August 2021

Background

The current antiviral treatments available for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection decrease the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hence, patients with HCV infection who have not received antiviral treatment and have developed HCC may be those who missed timely antiviral treatment for HCV. However, the proportion of patients who missed timely antiviral treatment and its implications are largely unexplored.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective cohort of 4,592 newly diagnosed HCV-related HCC patients (2013–2017) was identified from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Prior antiviral treatment for HCV was defined as a history of at least one HCV-specific antiviral treatment before HCC diagnosis. The outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results

Prior antiviral treatment for HCV was identified in 802 (17.4%) patients, and 16%, 16%, 17%, 19%, and 19% of patients received antiviral treatment in the years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively (P = 0.21). During 8,085 person-years of follow-up (median, 1.4; maximum, 5.3 years of follow-up), 1,970 patients died. Mortality rates were lower in patients with prior antiviral treatment (15 deaths/100 person-years) than in those without prior antiviral treatment (27 deaths/100 person-years). The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality on comparing patients who did and did not receive prior antiviral treatment was 0.68 (0.59, 0.79).

Conclusion

Timely antiviral treatment for HCV was suboptimal at the population level. Prior antiviral treatment for HCV reduced mortality rate in HCV-related HCC patients. Intensive HCV control strategies are needed to reduce the number of patients with HCV infection who miss timely HCV treatment.
Chemical, physical, and functional properties of Thai indigenous brown rice flours
Authors: Oppong David , Panpipat Worawan , Chaijan Manat
Published: August 2021

Thai indigenous brown rice flours from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, namely Khai Mod Rin (KMRF) and Noui Khuea (NKRF), were assessed for quality aspects in comparison with brown Jasmine rice flour (JMRF) and commercial rice flour (CMRF) from Chai Nat 1 variety. All the rice flours had different chemical composition, physical characteristic, and techno-functionality. The KMRF, NKRF, and JMRF were classified as a low amylose type (19.56–21.25% dw). All rice flours had low total extractable phenolic content (0.1–0.3 mg GAE/g dw) with some DPPH● scavenging activity (38.87–46.77%). The variations in the bulk density (1.36–1.83 g/cm3), water absorption capacity (0.71–1.17 g/g), solubility (6.93–13.67%), oil absorption capacity (1.39–2.49 g/g), and swelling power (5.71–6.84 g/g) were noticeable. The least gelation concentration ranged from 4.0 to 8.0% where KMRF was easier to form gel than JMRF, and NKRF/CMRF. The foam capacity of the flours was relatively low (1.30–2.60%). The pasting properties differed among rice flours and the lowest pasting temperature was observed in CMRF. Overall, the chemical, physical, functional, and pasting qualities of flours were substantially influenced by rice variety. The findings offered fundamental information on Thai indigenous rice flour that can be used in food preparations for specific uses.
La Robe à la Française et la Robe l’Odalisque: Wearing women’s clothing in The Rose of Versailles
Authors: King Emerald L.
Published: August 2021

The androgynous heroine of Ikeda Ryoko’s manga The Rose of Versailles (1972–73), Oscar Françoise de Jarjayes, is usually depicted in masculine, specifically military, attire. The sixth daughter of an important military colonel during the reign of Louis XV and Louis XVI, Oscar is raised as a son and follows her father into the military. Oscar is only ever depicted in one dress, known as the robe l’odalisque – a gown that is adopted at a pivotal moment of character development. It is while wearing this dress, which Ikeda intended to serve as a wedding dress, that Oscar comes to terms with her unrequited love for Marie Antoinette’s lover, Count Axel von Fersen. In doing so, Oscar places more importance on her allegiance to France than to romance. This article investigates the complicated gender and social politics that are symbolized by the choice to wear women’s clothing in The Rose of Versailles.
Naked villainy: Encounters with an archetype of disfigurement
Authors: LaMontagne-Schenck Ben
Published: August 2021

This research report is focused on an emergent methodology developed to support a transformational actor–researcher engaged in heuristic inquiry. Rooted in Stanislavskian practices, transformational acting outlines a character building technique that is, at its core, a physical process. By including costume as an integral component of this physical character-building process, the actor is equipped with a material tool with which they may alter their means of perception. A combined reading of modern cognitive theory and feminist theory asserts that such perceptual alterations as costume affords may then result in a fundamental shift in the performer’s identity, facilitating a lived experience of the character’s identity. Considering costume within a Stanislavskian context introduces a material set of given circumstances; an embodied experience of another’s possibilities or impossibilities of movement. While these perceptual changes stimulate transformation, an actor–researcher may also find themselves in active collaboration with a ‘character’ outside of themselves, potentially lending new-found insight within a research setting. Starting from a materialist approach to character, I chose to use Shakespeare’s character Richard III as a case study to test my hypothesis. What I soon began to realize was that this unidentified ‘materiality’ that I had been drawn to could not be distinguished from Richard’s ‘disability’. I began to ask, what are the ethical implications of an actor donning various external costume-based tools in embodying a disabled character? How does such an approach help us move away from the medical model of disability to the social, and perhaps even towards the affirmative and to resituate disability as a lived experience rather than metaphor? This research report details an emergent methodology confronted with the ethical implications of costume’s impact on the portrayal and understanding of disability in theatre today.
Innovative Costume of the 21st Century: The Next Generation, Dmitry Rodionov, curated by A.A. Bakhrushin Museum
Authors: Lynch Julie
Published: August 2021

Innovative Costume of the 21st Century: The Next Generation, Dmitry Rodionov, curated by A.A. Bakhrushin Museum

State Historical Museum, A.A. Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum, Center for Contemporary Art MARS Moscow, Russia, 17 June–2 October 2019
Effects of ethanol extract of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) on HER2 and caspase-3 expression in rat model mammary carcinoma
Authors: Aisyah Siti , Handharyani Ekowati , Bermawie Nurliani , Setiyono Agus
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/erbB2/neu) is a prognostic factor and biomarker for detecting mammary tumor malignancy. Leaves of curry (Murraya koenigii) contain alkaloid, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds that can be cytotoxic to tumor cells. Caspase-3 is an indicator of apoptosis in tumor cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curry leaf extract on the expression of HER2 and caspase-3 in mammary tumor through immunohistochemical analyses.

Materials and Methods: Thirty five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: negative control of tumor (P1), positive control of tumor (P2), tumor therapy with methotrexate (P3), and curry leaf extract doses of 300 and 400 mg/ kg body weight/BW after tumor formation (P4, P5), and before tumor formation (P6, P7). Thirty rats of six groups were injected subcutaneously into the mammary glands with 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)-anthracene DMBA) twice within 2 weeks for mammary tumor formation. At the end of the treatments, the rats were euthanized, and their mammary glands were analyzed histopathologically and immunohistochemically using HER2 and caspase-3 antibodies.

Results: Regarding the expression of HER2 detected in the epithelial cell membrane of the mammary gland, P2, P3, P4, and P5 revealed positive expression, P6 and P7 showed equivocal expression, while P1 showed negative expression. Regarding caspase-3 expression in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, it was low in P1, moderate in P2, P5, P6, and P7, and high in P3 and P4. These findings suggest that DMBA injection produced mammary tumors with HER2 as a biomarker of mammary tumor, and high caspase-3 expression in P4 was the effect of curry leaves extract.

Conclusion: The extract of curry leaves at a dose of 300 mg/kg BW with preventive and curative effects can potentially be used as an anti-tumor agent, which effectively induces the apoptosis of tumor cells.
Empatía en estudiantes de enfermería. Estudio transversal
Authors: Fajardo Ramos Elizabeth , Díaz-Narváez Víctor Patricio , Ferrero Otero Juan Carlos , Utsman Abarca Robert , Calzadilla-Núñez Aracelis , Díaz-Calzadilla Patricia A.
Published: August 2021

Objective: To estimate the levels of empathy in students enrolled in the nursing program. Material and methods. Data Sources: The population consists of students from the first to the fifth academic year (Course) (N = 312, n = 253, 81.08% of the population). Selection of studies: Exploratory and cross-sectional study.Data extraction: The authors collected the information between January and February 2018. Participants answered the Jefferson Medical Scale of Empathy, the Spanish version for medical students (S version), validated and adapted for nursing students in Colombia.Results. Synthesis of the data: Cronbach’s alpha was satisfactory (not typifed = 0.891 and typified = 0.886), from which it is inferred that the data has internal reliability. The inter-class correlation coefficient was 0.891; CI [0.87, 0.909] (F = 9.15, p = 0.005): confirms the good reliability. The authors observed that in empathy, this coefficient was highly signifi-cant in all three factors, with the eta-square value satisfactory and a high power observed. The significance level used was α ≤ 0.05 and β <0.20.Conclusions: The manifestation of the levels of empathy observed in this study agrees with the concept of empathic erosion, especially when analyzing empathic behavior in the male gender. The empathy levels in the students examined are relatively low, and authors conclude that there is considerable potential for growth of empathy and that of its components. Empa-thy is a complex part of academic formation that cannot be seen as an isolated variable.
VI Congreso de Salud Global, qué somos, qué se desea para Latinoamérica y el Caribe: La declaratoria de Brasil 2020
Authors: Tuesca Molina Rafael
Published: August 2021

Alianza Latinoamericana de Salud Global-, celebró durante los días 28 y 29 de octubre de 2020 el VI Congreso Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Salud Global, bajo el lema: “Desarrollo Sostenible y Salud Global: los desafíos de la igualdad y la equidad para la región”. El eje transversal la pandemia con sus repercusiones: políticas, económicas, sanitarias y sociales. Además, la equidad frente a la problemática social derivada de la migración, la desigualdad en Latinoamérica y el contexto territorial y racial. Involucró los retos de la atención primaria en salud y retos durante y posterior a la pandemia.
A Historical-Geographical View of Pandemics: to Understand COVID-19 in a Complex Way
Authors: Tuesca Molina Rafael , Rodriguez-Avila Nuria , Moreno-Castro Carolina
Published: August 2021

El abordaje para la investigación de brotes/pandemias es una actividad desafiante, necesaria y retadora para los salubristas y epidemiólogos. Esta actuación permite que los servicios de epidemiología y de vigilancia profundicen el conocimiento de la enfermedad, recaben datos históricos de episodios pandémicos, caractericen vulnerables, planteen hipótesis e intervengan los factores de riesgos en un contexto ambiental y sociocultural determinado con una actuación local y una perspectiva global. Se considera un abordaje sindémico, de tal manera que conjugan aspectos de determinantes sociales interconectados y profundizando en la pandemia.
FARMERS EMPOWERMENT ON FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM IN ENGGAL MAJU FARMERS GROUP ASSOCIATION OF KEBUMEN REGENCY
Authors: Muhtarom Ahmad , Djuharyanto Teguh , Sulaiman Adhi Iman
Published: August 2021

Agriculture is a strategic sector in national development because it plays an important role infood availability and realizes food security. The Farmer's attitude is one of the determining aspects toinvolvement farmers in empowerment programs for food security. A research, aiming to describe thefarmer's attitude and analyze the farmer's attitudes and the influence factors that influence the farmer'sattitudes on the food security empowerment program. The research used mixed method, the number ofresearch respondents was 60 farmers members of the farmer's group association Enggal Maju KebumenDistrict, determined by cluster random sampling, and for qualitative data, the informants were selectedpurposively. The Farmer's attitude analyzed with descriptive analysis and the influence factors offarmers' attitude used multiple linear regression analysis. Farmer's attitude analyzed with descriptiveanalysis and the influence factors of farmer's attitude used multiple linear regression analysis. Theresult show that the farmer's attitudes in terms of cognitive, affective, and conative components towardthe objectives program were high, farmer's attitudes towards, the target, implementation, and benefits ofthe program were very highly classified. Farm size, personal experience, and the influence of the important people were a significant effect on the farmer's attitudes in food security empowermentprograms. The need to maximize the function of farmer’s groups, consistency of extension workers,agencies and heads of Gapoktan assist and guide farmers so that the sustainability of activities ismaintained
FACTORS AFFECTING LOCAL CASSAVA PRODUCTION JALAK TOWO IN KARANGANYAR REGENCY
Authors: Puspita Maria Vegasari Dian , Barokah Umi , Agustono Agustono
Published: August 2021

Cassava is one of Indonesia's local food which ranks third largest after paddy and corn. CentralJava Province ranks second in producing cassava in Indonesia. One of the regencies / cities that has thepotential to be developed in cassava farming is Karanganyar Regency. Karanganyar Regency has acassava variety called Jalak Towo. Jalak towo has a softer texture compared to other cassava.Thisstudy aim were determine the factors of production that affect the production of jalak towo cassava inKaranganyar Regency and its optimization analysis. The basic method used in this research wasdescriptive and analytical methods. The research location was Tawangmangu Subdistrict and JatiyosoSubdistrict as sub-districts producing jalak towo cassava in Karanganyar Regency. Sampling in thisstudy using a random sampling method with a total of 60 respondents consisting of 30 people at eachlocation. Data analysis methods used include: cobb-douglas production function analysis, varyingmodel parameter analysis and optimization analysis. The results of this study indicate that the factorsthat influence the production of jalak towo cassava are land area, experience, manure, urea fertilizer,age of the farmer, and location. Production factors that affect cassava production from the analysis ofvarying model parameters in Kec. Tawangmangu is the area ofland, manure, urea fertilizer, age of the farmer, and labor, while in Kec. Jatiyoso is land area and age. The results of the optimization analysisshowed that the combination of the use of production factors in Tawangmangu and Jatiyoso Subistrictsware not optimal.
ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN TEKNIK K-MEANS CLUSTERING SEBAGAI PENGGANTI FUNGSI DEMAPPER PADA SISTEM KOMUNIKASI FBMC OQAM
Authors: Nabila Nisrina Hania , Isnawati Anggun Fitrian , Afandi Mas Aly
Published: August 2021

Pada pengiriman data, sinyal yang diterima oleh antena penerima pasti tidak sama dengan sinyal yang dikirim oleh antena pengirim. Pada penelitian ini, teknik K-Means Clustering diaplikasikan untuk proses pengembalian data bit sebagai fungsi demodulasi pada konstelasi M-Ary yang sebelumnya telah terganggu oleh noise dan fading di jaringan pita lebar. Modulasi digital yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu 16 QAM. Simulasi dilakukan pada kanal ideal (AWGN) menggunakan teknik multicarrier Filter Bank Multicarrier Offset QAM (FBMC OQAM) dengan equalizer Zero Forcing (ZF) dan tanpa ZF. Kinerja dari demapper k-means dievaluasi menggunakan Silhouette Coefficient menghasilkan sistem FBMC OQAM dengan penggunaan ZF memiliki kinerja lebih baik daripada sistem FBMC OQAM tanpa penggunaan equalizer. Seperti BER FBMC OQAM ZF pada SNR 0 dB hingga SNR 20 dB mengalami penurunan sebesar 0,3849, sedangkan pada FBMC OQAM memiliki BER yang relatif stabil. Selain mengalami penurunan pada parameter BER, sistem FBMC OQAM ZF mengalami peningkatan pada kapasitas kanal yang dihasilkan.
Medytacja i doświadczenie mistyczne w okresie formatywnym sufizmu
Authors: Pachniak Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

Sufism, Muslim mysticism, is a phenomenon inherent in Islam, existing almost from the beginning of this religion. In the article the view of Islamic sacred texts: the Qur’an and the Hadith, to the basic principles of Sufi sm: asceticism and meditation is discussed. The most important concepts of Sufi sm arising during the period of singular mystics, i.e. the formative times of Sufi sm (9th-11th century) are underlined. Concepts such as love for God, self-accountability, piety, and Union with God were presented and interpreted. Attention was also paid to the biographies of the most important mystics from this period, as recorded in the works of their successors.
Efficient and optimized six- port MIMO antenna system for 5G smartphones
Authors: Rajesh Kumar D. , Venkat Babu G.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, six-port MIMO antenna is presented for 5G mobile handsets. The proposed six-port antenna array is designed by making four L shaped monopole slots at four corners and two at the middle side edges of the ground plane which is printed on the backside of 0.8 mm thick FR4 substrate. High isolation (>−18 dB) between any pair of antenna elements is achieved without deploying dedicated isolation enhancing mechanisms. The antenna is working from 3.4–3.6 GHz (LTE Band 42) with 200 MHz bandwidth in the 2:1 VSWR (−10 dB impedance bandwidth). The proposed six-port MIMO antenna array is fabricated and measured. Significant radiation efficiency is obtained from 70 to 74 % in desired band of operation. Further, the MIMO parameters such as Envelope Correlation Co-efficient (ECC), Channel Capacity, Channel Capacity Loss (CLL) and Total Active Reflection Co-Efficient (TARC) are calculated. The robustness of the antenna is estimated by analyzing the user hand effects and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The measured results are well agreed with the simulated results.
Evidence against a link between learning phonotactics and learning phonological alternations
Authors: Do Youngah , Yeung Ping Hei
Published: August 2021

Phonological alternations often happen to conform to phonotactic regularities, from which a single mechanism for phonotactics and alternations has been claimed. We note, however, that empirical evidence supporting the link between phonotactics and alternations comes only from English native speakers whose first language (L1) does exhibit phonotactically motivated alternation patterns. This article examines whether the link between phonotactics and alternations is universally available. To do so, we test learning of phonotactics and alternations with Cantonese native speakers, whose L1 provides no evidence for or against the link. We address learning of a vowel harmony pattern through the use of three artificial languages; one with a harmony pattern both within and across stems, another with a harmony pattern only across stems; and the other with a disharmony pattern within stems but harmony across stems. Learners successfully acquired harmony phonotactics according to input patterns, but they showed no difference in learning alternation patterns across the three languages. Our results suggest that the link between phonotactics and alternations might be language-specific: Only upon receiving L1 evidence, learners can use a unified mechanism to encode phonotactics and alternations.
Strategizing assessment to support emerging bilingual students: a focus on the home language
Authors: Nieto David , Nguyen Annie
Published: August 2021

Both educators and students in the United States feel the continuous pressure to improve achievement scores as a form of validation for their work and success. However, emerging bilingual (EBs) learners encounter barriers within assessments that break the assumptions of validity, reliability, and fairness and prevent them from demonstrating their true knowledge. This is worsened when assumptions about EBs' academic capacity are extracted from those assessment results. This paper focuses on the use of assessment for and as learning for emerging bilingual (EB) students. Specific attention is given to the use of the students' home language as a resource in evaluating their knowledge and how teachers may address some of the inequitable practices to prepare EBs not only to be successful academically, but to demonstrate it in today's assessment world.
Dynamical behavior of a P-dimensional system of nonlinear difference equations
Authors: Halim Yacine , Allam Asma , Bengueraichi Zineb
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the periodicity, the boundedness of the solutions, and the global asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium of the system of p nonlinear difference equations

x

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+
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(
1
)

=
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x

n
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(
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)

x

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,

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+
1

(
2
)

=
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+

x

n
−
1

(
2
)

x

n

(
p
)

,

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,

x

n
+
1

(
p
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)

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+

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n
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1

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)

x

n

(
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,

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(
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)

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+

x

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1

(
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)

x

n

(
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−
1
)

$$\begin{equation*}x^{(1)}_{n+1}=A+\dfrac{x^{(1)}_{n-1}}{x^{(p)}_{n}},\quad x^{(2)}_{n+1}=A+\dfrac{x^{(2)}_{n-1}}{x^{(p)}_{n}},\quad\ldots,\quad x^{(p-1)}_{n+1}=A+\dfrac{x^{(p-1)}_{n-1}}{x^{(p)}_{n}},\quad x^{(p)}_{n+1}=A+\dfrac{x^{(p)}_{n-1}}{x^{(p-1)}_{n}}
\end{equation*}
$$

where n ∈ ℕ0, p ≥ 3 is an integer, A ∈ (0, +∞) and the initial conditions

x

−
1

(
j
)

$x_{-1}^{(j)}$

,

x

0

(
j
)

$x_{0}^{(j)}$

, j = 1, 2, …, p are positive numbers.
Impact of different types of non linearity on the oscillatory behavior of higher order neutral difference equations
Authors: Bhuyan Ajit Kumar , Padhy Laxmi Narayan , Rath Radhanath
Published: August 2021

In this article, sufficient conditions are obtained so that every solution of the neutral difference equation

Δm(yn−pnL(yn−s))+qnG(yn−k)=0,$$\begin{equation*}\Delta^{m}\big(y_n-p_n L(y_{n-s})\big) + q_nG(y_{n-k})=0, \end{equation*}$$

or every unbounded solution of

Δm(yn−pnL(yn−s))+qnG(yn−k)−unH(yα(n))=0,n≥n0,$$\begin{equation*}\Delta^{m}\big(y_n-p_n L(y_{n-s})\big) + q_nG(y_{n-k})-u_nH(y_{\alpha(n)})=0,\quad n\geq n_0, \end{equation*}$$

oscillates, wherem=2 is any integer, Δ is the forward difference operator given by Δyn=yn+1−yn; Δmyn= Δ(Δm−1yn) and other parameters have their usual meaning. The non linear functionL∈C(ℝ, ℝ) inside the operator Δmincludes the caseL(x) =x. Different types of super linear and sub linear conditions are imposed onGto prevent the solution approaching zero or ±∞. Further, all the three possible cases,pn≥ 0,pn≤ 0 andpnchanging sign, are considered. The results of this paper generalize and extend some known results.
The sine extended odd Fréchet-G family of distribution with applications to complete and censored data
Authors: Jamal Farrukh , Chesneau Christophe , Aidi Khaoula
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we introduce the sine extended odd Fréchet-G family of distributions, obtained from two well-established families of distributions of completely different nature: the sine-G and the extended odd Fréchet-G families. A particular focus is put on a very flexible member of this family defin ed with the Nadarajah-Haghighi distribution as a baseline, called the sine extended odd Fréchet Nadarajah-Haghighi distribution. For the theoretical part, the interesting mathematical properties of the family are investigated, including asymptotes, quantile function, linear representations and moments, with application to the introduced special member. Then, the inferential aspects of the sine extended odd Fréchet Nadarajah-Haghighi model are examined. In particular, the parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood method. Two complementary cases are distinguished: the complete data case and the right censored data case, with the development of appropriate statistical tests. A simulation study is carried out to illustrate the convergence of the obtained estimates. Applications are given for three practicaldata sets, including one having the right censored property, illustrating the applicability of the proposed model.
Social Rules and Household Interactions Within the LBK: Long-Standing Debates, New Perspectives
Authors: Hamon Caroline , Gomart Louise
Published: August 2021

Within Linearbandkeramik (LBK) studies, several models of social structure and organisation have been debated since the 1960s, influenced by several major anthropological theories that even today guide the debates. We discuss here the notion of social interactions in LBK contexts by focusing on the primary form of LBK social unit: the household. Assuming that the solutions found by the LBK communities to navigate their ambivalent position regarding sedentism and mobility probably formed the basis of their social organisation, social networks would have played a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and spread of the LBK culture. The village pioneer stage crystallises several core mechanisms of LBK society and is particularly relevant for assessing the dynamic processes involved in the fundamental social interactions that structure LBK societies. Invoking rather the “hofplatz” or the “ward” models, the coexistence of different groups attached to specific expressions of identity within the same settlements was highlighted and led to several hypotheses of social organisation putting clan or lineage structures at the foreground. Differentiation or inequalities between individuals and groups were also debated, even recently based on new technological and bioarchaeological data. In the frame of the current ANR Homes project, our goal is to test the reliability of these models based on an evidence-based approach and deepen the economical model we recently proposed.
The Self-Validating Role of Political Ideology on Political Attitudes
Authors: Blankenship Kevin L. , Kane Kelly A. , Hewitt Carly R.
Published: August 2021

Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the influence of ideology on the formation and maintenance of political attitudes. Much of this work has examined ideology as an individual difference that influences evaluations of political issues; these studies instead examined how one's ideology explicitly serves to polarize political opinions. Using the self-validation perspective as a theoretical backdrop, two studies examine the role of political ideology in validating thoughts about a political issue. In Study 1, considering one's political ideology after writing about one's attitude toward abortion increased thought confidence and attitude extremity related to abortion. Study 2 utilized a more subtle manipulation of ideology salience and found that political ideology validated thoughts about abortion, but not the issue of changing the legal drinking age (an issue less related to political ideology). These studies suggest that political ideology plays a role in attitude extremity and certainty toward ideology-relevant issues.
Underappreciated Benefits of Reading Own and Others' Memories
Authors: Sekhsaria Shriya , Pronin Emily
Published: August 2021

These studies investigate underappreciated benefits of reading memories, including memories of other people, for happiness, psychological well-being, and loneliness. In the studies, college students (Study 1), residents of assisted-living facilities (Study 2), and MTurk workers online (Study 3) wrote down memories. They also predicted how they would feel after reading their own and others' memories at a later date. Then, later on, participants read memories that they or another participant had written. Individuals felt happier, less lonely, and higher in well-being after reading memories, regardless of whether those memories were their own or someone else's. Participants underpredicted the affect boost that they would gain from reading memories. This affective forecasting error was related to individuals' perceptions of the “mundaneness” of the memories, and the error was especially pronounced when individuals read others' memories rather than their own. Implications of reading memories for promoting well-being and reducing loneliness are discussed.
Primary hyperparathyroidism associated with acquired long QT interval and ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Muzurović Emir , Medenica Sanja , Kalezić Milovan , Pavlović Siniša
Published: August 2021

We present a 54-year-old patient admitted to the emergency department due to loss of consciousness. The initial ECG registered monomorphic ventricular extrasystoles and prolonged QT interval (QT corrected (QTc) >500 ms). Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) was registered on 24-h Holter ECG monitoring, which clinically was presented as a crisis of consciousness. Coronary angiography and other visualization methods were normal. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation was planned for the purpose of secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Laboratory and hormonal analyzes revealed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), chronic kidney disease, and hypokalemia. Neck ultrasound showed a 25 mm, sharply outlined homogenous tumor mass which was separated from thyroid gland (TG) and exerted a mild impression on lower parts of the left lobe. Dual wash technetium-99m sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy with single-photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT also showed the uptake of tracer behind the lower half of the left lobe of the TG. Surgical treatment, lower left parathyroidectomy, was performed, and pathohistological analysis verified parathyroid adenoma. The patient was rhythmically and hemodynamically stable for 7 days after surgery, without additional complaints, and was discharged from the hospital. Timely diagnosis of PHPT, correct assessment and surgical treatment, did not lead our patient to unnecessary ICD implantation. Our case suggests an additional intertwining of electrolyte disorders and ventricular arrhythmias in PHPT and more importantly emphasizes the need for caution when indicating ICD, even in patients with the most serious life-threatening arrhythmias.

Learning points

Electrolyte abnormalities in PHPT can have highly malignant consequences, and the occurrence of hypokalemia in the presence of hypercalcemia is underestimated in PHPT, and the consequences can be life-threatening.

Although hypercalcemia causes shortened QT interval, concomitant severe hypokalemia may overcome hypercalcemia and prolong QT interval, even in the absence of structural heart disease or LQTS.

Timely diagnosis of PHPT, correct assessment and surgical treatment, do not lead to unnecessary ICD implantation.
Metabolic effects of brown fat in transitioning from hyperthyroidism to euthyroidism
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Goh Hui Jen , Verma Sanjay , Govindharajulu Priya , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Michael Navin , Jadegoud Yaligar , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Velan S Sendhil , Yeo Pei Shan , Lee Yingshan , Lim Brenda Su Ping , Liew Huiling , Chew Chee Kian , Quek Timothy Peng Lim , Abdul Shakoor Shaikh A K K , Hoi Wai Han , Chan Siew Pang , Chew Daniel Ek , Dalan Rinkoo , Leow Melvin Khee Shing
Published: August 2021

Objective

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) controls metabolic rate through thermogenesis. As its regulatory factors during the transition from hyperthyroidism to euthyroidism are not well established, our study investigated the relationships between supraclavicular brown adipose tissue (sBAT) activity and physiological/metabolic changes with changes in thyroid status.

Design

Participants with newly diagnosed Graves’ disease were recruited. A thionamide antithyroid drug (ATD) such as carbimazole (CMZ) or thiamazole (TMZ) was prescribed in every case. All underwent energy expenditure (EE) measurement and supraclavicular infrared thermography (IRT) within a chamber calorimeter, as well as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging scanning, with clinical and biochemical parameters measured during hyperthyroidism and repeated in early euthyroidism. PET sBAT mean/maximum standardized uptake value (SUV mean/max), MR supraclavicular fat fraction (sFF) and mean temperature (Tscv) quantified sBAT activity.

Results

Twenty-one (16 female/5 male) participants aged 39.5 ± 2.5 years completed the study. The average duration to attain euthyroidism was 28.6 ± 2.3 weeks. Eight participants were BAT-positive while 13 were BAT-negative. sFF increased with euthyroidism (72.3 ± 1.4% to 76.8 ± 1.4%; P < 0.01), but no changes were observed in PET SUV mean and Tscv. Significant changes in serum-free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels were related to BAT status (interaction P value = 0.04). FT3 concentration at hyperthyroid state was positively associated with sBAT PET SUV mean (r = 0.58, P = 0.01) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism does not consistently lead to a detectable increase in BAT activity. FT3 reduction during the transition to euthyroidism correlated with BAT activity.
Load-carrying capacity and the size of chair joints determined for users with a higher body weight
Authors: Hitka Miloš , Joščák Pavol , Langová Nadežda , Krišťák Ľuboš , Blašková Silvia
Published: August 2021

Market globalization, with its accompanying higher living standards, food availability, and sedentary jobs noticeably affects the eating habits and lifestyles of people. Therefore, the body weight of populations is increasing globally. These changes must be taken into account when various everyday items (furniture, clothes, and shoes) are designed. Population-based studies dealing with measuring the height and body weight of adult male populations were analyzed (body mass index categories: 25 kg/m2 to < 30 kg/m2 (overweight), > 30 kg/m2 (obese), > 35 kg/m2 (severely obese)). Because of the analysis of anthropometric parameters in Central Europe, especially Slovakia, it is necessary to produce chairs with two weight categories for the common population (normal weight up to 110 kg) and a population with a higher weight. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of the body weight of users on the load capacity and dimensions of structural elements of chairs. Following the static analysis of the load-carrying capacity of several chair types, it was calculated that the only suitable construction type for users with a higher weight is the construction with stretchers. The cross-section of the leg space and side rail increased by 20% and 25%, respectively, in the case of a 150-kg user and tenon dimensions of 10 mm × 60 mm × 30 mm.
Investigation of the fiber saturation point of tropical Brazilian wood species
Authors: Almeida Tiago H. , Almeida Diego H. , Aquino Vinicius B. M. , Chahud Eduardo , Pinheiro Roberto V. , Branco Luiz A. M. N. , Almeida João P. B. , Christoforo André L. , Lahr Francisco A. R.
Published: August 2021

The fiber saturation point (FSP) is an important parameter of wood material, related to dimensional stability and variations of mechanical performance. This paper investigated the FSP values of 15 tropical Brazilian wood species covering all strength classes of the Brazilian standard code. An additional goal was to estimate FSP value based on the wood’s apparent density. The FSP values were determined by measuring the wood specimen dimensions during moisture content reduction from the saturated state. Wood densities at 0% and 12% moisture contents and basic density were determined according to the Brazilian standard code. The average FSP for all wood species was 21.6% moisture content. Among density values, good correlations were observed, and a multivariate regression model for FSP estimation based on wood densities presented a coefficient of determination equal to 13.07%. There was no correlation between FSP and wood densities, suggesting that this parameter is almost constant regardless of the wood species.
Effect of removing sucrose and moisture in bagasse fibers on improvement of limit of processing temperature in bagasse-polypropylene composites
Authors: Sefat Khan Md , Shibata Shinichi
Published: August 2021

This study focused on the increase of processing temperature of sugarcane bagasse fiber and polypropylene composites by removing sucrose and moisture in bagasse fibers. The relationship between the number of washing times and remaining sucrose in bagasse fiber were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis showed that original bagasse fibers, which had been obtained from a sugar cane mill, contained 4.0 wt% sucrose. To clarify the effect of the remaining sucrose and moisture on the limit of processing temperature in bagasse composites, the sucrose removed bagasse (40 wt%) or the original bagasse (40 wt%) was mixed with polypropylene (60 wt%), respectively. Then, the composite specimens were prepared with hot-press forming at various temperature. The observations of the composites appearances and their flexural tests were carried out. The results showed that the limit of processing temperature in the removing sucrose and moisture of bagasse composites was dramatically improved. The flexural properties in the sucrose and moisture removed bagasse composites did not decrease until 260 °C, while that in the original bagasse composites decreased at 240 °C.
МЕХАНІЗМИ УПРАВЛІННЯ І РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ В СУЧАСНИХ РЕАЛІЯХ
Authors: БОРЗЕНКО Олена
Published: August 2021

Удосконалення механізмів управління і регулювання економікою пов’язане з потребами сучасного економічного розвитку України. Проблеми, спричинені корупцією, тіньовим сектором і незаконною приватизацією в нашій країні на тлі недосконалих законів, гальмують економічне зростання держави, розвиток її соціальної сфери.Розглянуто і упорядковано наукові підходи щодо взаємодії державного та приватного секторів економіки, впливу державних інститутів на діяльність суспільства, його окремих груп, у яких реалізуються суспільні потреби та інтереси, загальнозначущі цілі та воля суспільства. Акцентовано на відмінності державного регулювання економіки і державного управління економікою та соціальними процесами. Зазначено незавершений характер системи державного регулювання, проаналізовано законодавче забезпечення державного регулювання приватного сектору в Україні, наголошено на необхідності його вдосконалення і підвищення ефективності реалізації національних проєктів. Запропоновано напрями поліпшення взаємодії державного і приватного секторів в Україні та ЄС.Проведено порівняння присутності державного сетору в економіці зарубіжних країн і України. Зроблено висновок, що в багатьох зарубіжних країнах розмір державного сектору є основою економічної стабільності, стійкості й керованості суспільства, національної та економічної безпеки держави, гарантом і економічним фундаментом публічної влади і розвитку різних форм власності, тоді як в Україні відбулося роздержавлення, а управління державною власністю зводиться до приватизації державних підприємств і бюджетного процесу.Зауважено, що державно-приватне партнерство є механізмом, який сприяє інвестиційним проєктам, розвитку відповідної інфраструктури і вдосконаленню соціальної сфери країни, відзначено роль держави в цьому процесі. Завданням уряду є створення необхідних умов для забезпечення партнерства влади і бізнесу, що включає реформування фіскальної сфери, посилення заходів щодо тіньової економіки та корупції.
Multi-bit structure improvement methods for multiplier devices of matrix type
Authors: Vozna Natalia , Nykolaychuk Yaroslav , Davletova Alina
Published: August 2021

The article proposes methods for improving the structures of matrix multipliers of multi-digit numbers. Advanced single-bit total adders with paraphrase switched inputs and paraphrase outputs are used, intended as components of high-speed matrix multipliers. Based on the use of such single-bit adders, the structures of matrix multipliers are proposed, characterized by 2 times increased speed, 5 times reduced structural complexity compared to known multipliers based on classical single-bit adders. Optimization of structures of multi-bit matrix multipliers is offered. Comparative estimates of structural and temporal complexities of their circuit implementations depending on the bit size of multiplied binary numbers are given. The use of optimized circuit solutions of matrix multipliers can significantly improve the system characteristics of complex computing devices with many such components in the crystals of microelectronic technologies.
Choice of the optimal mode of control of the process of emergency landing of an unmanned quadcopter
Authors: Blahitko Bohdan , Mochulsky Yuriy , Zayachuk Ihor
Published: August 2021

Peculiarities of the process of emergency landing of an unmanned quadcopter have been studied by mathematical modeling. The method of landing an unmanned quadcopter in case of failure of one of the four pairs of electric motor-propeller is proposed. The basis of this technique is the application of the parachuting effect. Parachuting is achieved by forcibly turning off the power of the motor, which is located at the opposite end of the same traverse as the faulty motor. As a result, the vertical speed of the unmanned quadcopter at the time of landing is significantly reduced and approaches a relatively safe value.
Invariants of optimal integration of rapidly oscillatory functions
Authors: Zadiraka Valeriy , Luts Liliya , Shvidchenko Inna
Published: August 2021

The paper presents some common elements (invariants) of optimal integration of rapidly oscillatory functions for the different types of oscillations, in particular, for calculating the Fourier transform from finite functions, wavelet transform, and Bessel transform. Their brief description is given. The application of the invariants allows to increase the potential of quadrature formulas due to the fullest use of apriori information. Invariants form the basis of computer technology of integration of rapidly oscillatory functions with a given accuracy with limited computational resources.
Research of expediency of application of AVX512 for modern digital signature schemes implementations
Authors: Kachko Olena , Kandiy Serhiy
Published: August 2021

The third stage of the NIST PQC competition is currently underway, which aims to create new post-quantum standards in cryptography. The vast majority of finalists are representatives of lattice-based cryptography. Electronic signatures include the CRYSTALS-Dilithium schemes. This paper investigates the feasibility of using AVX512 to optimize software implementations of NIST PQC finalists among electronic signatures on algebraic lattices. Since the most expensive operation in such schemes is the multiplication of polynomials, the main attention is paid to the optimization of this operation. In particular, the method of realization of theoretical and numerical transformation using AVX512 for electronic signature schemes CRYSTALS-Dilithium is presented in the work. The increase in speed is shown in comparison with the reference optimized author 's implementations.
Asymmetric cryptographic protocols with a blockchain core: development problems and their solutions
Authors: Kudin Anton , Seliukh Polina
Published: August 2021

The problem of axiomatic construction of secure cryptographic protocols is closely related to the choice of basic cryptographic blocks from which a cryptographic protocol of arbitrary complexity can be built. Let’s call such blocks primitive cryptographic protocols. Along with a traditional choice as primitive secret sharing protocols and non-interactive proof protocols today blockchain is considered to be a primitive cryptographic protocol. The security of such cryptographic protocols with a blockchain core is studied a bit today. We consider the methods for increasing the security of protocols with blockchain core by using a new agreement protocol in the blockchain, which is secure in the information theoretically sense.
State of development, research and standardization of cryptographic transformations such as asymmetric encryption and post-quantum key encapsulation protocol
Authors: Kulibaba Vladyslav , Bobukh Vsevolod
Published: August 2021

The paper presents the state of development of cryptocurrencies such as ACS and PIC at the international and national levels. The state of standardization of cryptocurrencies of ASS and PIK at the international competition NIST of the USA, the requirements put forward to candidates on 2 and 3 rounds of competition are considered. The state of standardization of crypto transformations of this type at the national level in Ukraine is considered, and a brief description of the national standard ASSH DSTU 8961: 2019, based on algebraic lattices, is given. The methodology and results of achieving the national standard DSTU 8961:2019 against attacks by third-party channels in terms of the dependence of the time of direct and reverse transformation (encapsulation and decapsulation of the key) on the number of units in the private key.
Solving the Sturm-Liouville problem by three-point difference schemes of high order of accuracy
Authors: Kunynets Andrii , Kutniv Myroslav , Khomenko Nadia
Published: August 2021

For the solving Sturm-Liouville problem, three-point difference schemes of high order of accuracy on a nonuniform grid are constructed. It is shown that the coefficients of these schemes are expressed in terms of solutions of two auxiliary initial value problems. An estimate of the accuracy of three-point difference schemes is obtained and an iterative Newton method is proposed to determine their solution. Numerical experiments confirm theoretical conclusions.
Crystalline materials for quantum computing: Semiconductor heterostructures and topological insulators exemplars
Authors: Scappucci G. , Taylor P. J. , Williams J. R. , Ginley T. , Law S.
Published: August 2021

High-purity crystalline solid-state materials play an essential role in various technologies for quantum information processing, from qubits based on spins to topological states. New and improved crystalline materials emerge each year and continue to drive new results in experimental quantum science. This article summarizes the opportunities for a selected class of crystalline materials for qubit technologies based on spins and topological states and the challenges associated with their fabrication. We start by describing semiconductor heterostructures for spin qubits in gate-defined quantum dots and benchmark GaAs, Si, and Ge, the three platforms that demonstrated two-qubit logic. We then examine novel topologically nontrivial materials and structures that might be incorporated into superconducting devices to create topological qubits. We review topological insulator thin films and move onto topological crystalline materials, such as PbSnTe, and its integration with Josephson junctions. We discuss advances in novel and specialized fabrication and characterization techniques to enable these. We conclude by identifying the most promising directions where advances in these material systems will enable progress in qubit technology.