bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goal setting, goal attainment and quality of life of children following selective dorsal rhizotomy
Authors: Lewis Jennifer A. , Bear Natasha , Smith Nadine , Baker Felicity , Lee Olivia S. , Wynter Meredith , Paget Simon P. ,   the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy ‐ Australian Registry Management Committee
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe the individualized occupational performance issues identified by parents/carers and children prior to selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery and analyse change up to 2 years post surgery in goal attainment and quality of life (QoL).

Method

The Australian SDR Research Registry (trial registration: ACTRN12618000985280) was used to extract data for individualized goals, goal attainment and QoL based on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (CP QOL‐Child parent‐proxy) at baseline and 1 and 2 years following SDR. Change in mean scores was analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

Fifty‐two children had COPM scores at baseline and 1 and/or 2 years post, of which 28 had two QoL scores. COPM problem areas included leisure (n = 39), productivity (n = 37) and self‐care (n = 173). The most common goals were walking (26.1%), participation in physical activities (17.7%) and transitions (14.1%). Mean COPM scores improved significantly between baseline to 1 year and baseline to 2 years (P < 0.001). Mean QoL scores improved between baseline to 1 year for functional QoL domains: participation and physical health (P = 0.003) and pain and impact of disability (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Collaborative goal setting is an integral part of family‐centred rehabilitation practice. The COPM was an appropriate individualized outcome measure in identifying meaningful goals for our SDR cohort. Results demonstrate improved scores in goal attainment and improvement in functional QoL domains. This paper highlights the need to include outcomes that measure daily life experiences.
A translational application of music for preschool cognitive development: RCT evidence for improved executive function, self‐regulation, and school readiness
Authors: Bentley Laura A. , Eager Rebecca , Savage Sally , Nielson Cathy , White Sonia L. J. , Williams Kate E.
Published: December 2022

The benefits of active music participation and training for cognitive development have been evidenced in multiple studies, with this link leveraged in music therapy approaches with clinical populations. Although music, rhythm, and movement activities are widely integrated into children's play and early education, few studies have systematically translated music therapy‐based approaches to a nonclinical population to support early cognitive development. This study reports the follow‐up effects of the Rhythm and Movement for Self Regulation (RAMSR) program delivered by generalist preschool teachers in low socioeconomic communities. This randomized control trial (RCT) involved 213 children across eight preschools in disadvantaged communities in Queensland, Australia. The intervention group received 16–20 sessions of RAMSR over 8 weeks, while the control group undertook usual preschool programs. Primary outcome measures included executive function (child assessment of shifting, working memory, and inhibition) and self‐regulation (teacher report), with secondary outcomes of school readiness and visual‐motor integration. Data were collected pre‐ and post‐intervention, and again 6 months later once children had transitioned into school. Results demonstrated significant intervention effects across the three time points for school readiness (p = 0.038, ηp2 = 0.09), self‐regulation (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.08), and inhibition (p = 0.002 ηp2 = 0.23). Additionally, the feasibility of building capacity in teachers without any music background to successfully deliver the program was evidenced. These findings are important given that children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to need support for cognitive development yet have inequitable access to quality music and movement programs.

Research Highlights

Initial effects of self‐regulation from a rhythm and movement program were sustained following transition into school for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Delayed effects of inhibition and school readiness from a rhythm and movement program appeared 6 months post‐intervention as children entered school.

Generalist teachers can successfully implement a rhythm and movement program, which boosts critical developmental cognitive skills.
Semaglutide delays 4‐hour gastric emptying in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity
Authors: Jensterle Mojca , Ferjan Simona , Ležaič Luka , Sočan Aljaž , Goričar Katja , Zaletel Katja , Janez Andrej
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effect of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg on the late digestive period of gastric emptying (GE) after ingestion of a standardized solid test meal by using technetium scintigraphy, the reference method for this purpose.

Methods

We conducted a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in 20 obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; mean [range] age 35 [32.3‐40.8] years, body mass index 37 [30.7‐39.8] kg/m2) randomized to subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg once weekly or placebo for 12 weeks. GE was assessed after ingestion of [99mTc] colloid in a pancake labelled with radiopharmaceutical by scintigraphy using sequential static imaging and dynamic acquisition at baseline and at Week 13. Estimation of GE was obtained by repeated imaging of remaining [99mTc] activity at fixed time intervals over the course of 4 hours after ingestion.

Results

From baseline to the study end, semaglutide increased the estimated retention of gastric contents by 3.5% at 1 hour, 25.5% at 2 hours, 38.0% at 3 hours and 30.0% at 4 hours after ingestion of the radioactively labelled solid meal. Four hours after ingestion, semaglutide retained 37% of solid meal in the stomach compared to no gastric retention in the placebo group (P = 0.002). Time taken for half the radiolabelled meal to empty from the stomach was significantly longer in the semaglutide group than the placebo group (171 vs. 118 min; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Semaglutide markedly delayed 4‐hour GE in women with PCOS and obesity.
Homoarginine in the cardiovascular system: Pathophysiology and recent developments
Authors: Koch Vitali , Gruenewald Leon D. , Gruber‐Rouh Tatjana , Eichler Katrin , Leistner David M. , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Booz Christian , Bernatz Simon , D'Angelo Tommaso , Albrecht Moritz H. , Alizadeh Leona S. , Nour‐Eldin Nour‐Eldin A. , Scholtz Jan‐Erik , Yel Ibrahim , Vogl Thomas J. , März Winfried , Hardt Stefan E. , Martin Simon S.
Published: December 2022

Upcoming experimental and epidemiological data have identified the endogenous non‐proteinogenic amino acid L‐homoarginine (L‐hArg) not only as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular disease but also as being directly involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction. The association of low L‐hArg levels with adverse cardiovascular events and mortality has proposed the idea of nutritional supplementation to rescue pathways inversely associated with cardiovascular health. Subsequent clinical and experimental studies contributed significantly to our knowledge of potential effects on the cardiorenal axis, acting either as a biomarker or a cardiovascular active agent. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive summary of the L‐hArg metabolism, pathophysiological aspects, and current developments in the field of experimental and clinical evidence in favor of protective cardiovascular effects. Establishing a reliable biomarker to identify patients at high risk to die of cardiovascular disease represents one of the main goals for tackling this disease and providing individual therapeutic guidance.
TTLL11 gene is associated with sustained attention performance and brain networks: A genome‐wide association study of a healthy Chinese sample
Authors: Liu Hejun , Zhao Xiaoyu , Xue Gui , Chen Chuansheng , Dong Qi , Gao Xuping , Yang Li , Chen Chunhui
Published: December 2022

Genetic studies on attention have mainly focused on children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so little systematic research has been conducted on genetic correlates of attention performance and their potential brain mechanisms among healthy individuals. The current study included a genome‐wide association study (GWAS, N = 1145 healthy young adults) aimed to identify genes associated with sustained attention and an imaging genetics study (an independent sample of 483 healthy young adults) to examine any identified genes' influences on brain function. The GWAS found that TTLL11 showed genome‐wide significant associations with sustained attention, with rs13298112 as the most significant SNP and the GG homozygotes showing more impulsive but also more focused responses than the A allele carriers. A retrospective examination of previously published ADHD GWAS results confirmed an un‐reported, small but statistically significant effect of TTLL11 on ADHD. The imaging genetics study replicated this association and showed that the TTLL11 gene was associated with resting state activity and connectivity of the somatomoter network, and can be predicted by dorsal attention network connectivity. Specifically, the GG homozygotes showed lower brain activity, weaker brain network connectivity, and non‐significant brain‐attention association compared to the A allele carriers. Expression database showed that expression of this gene is enriched in the brain and that the G allele is associated with lower expression level than the A allele. These results suggest that TTLL11 may play a major role in healthy individuals' attention performance and may also contribute to the etiology of ADHD.
An experimental study of trade‐offs between brood size and moult in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Authors: Engebretsen Stein I. , Slagsvold Tore
Published: December 2022

Life‐history theory predicts that whenever expensive activities overlap, there will be a trade‐off between the activities. In a field study of Blue TitsCyanistes caeruleusin Norway, we tested whether parental energy expenditure during reproduction affected timing of moult of primary feathers. Five days after hatching, we manipulated broods to contain either two (n = 10 broods) or 9–12 nestlings (n = 13). In contrast to previous studies, we measured stage of moult at two time points during the nestling period (7 and 14 days after hatching). The onset of moult in the male but not in the female was strongly affected by a reduction in brood size. Stage of moult did not differ between the experimental groups 7 days after hatching, but did after a further week. This difference was also evident when considering only males that had started moulting on day 7. Male moult score was not related to male age (yearling or older), body size (wing length, tarsus length) or hatching time (calendar date) of the brood. However, body condition, expressed as residuals of the regression of body mass on wing length, tended to be greater for parents of both sexes attending small broods than large broods. None of 23 females had initiated moult 7 days after hatching, and only two had done so by day 14. Surprisingly, moult did not seem to affect food provisioning by males relative to females. These results confirm previous studies of passerine birds, namely, that males may start moulting before females and that the moult can quickly be adjusted to the demands of brood‐rearing. The novel result in this case was that such demands affected not only the timing of moult onset but also its speed once it had started.
Taurine promotes B‐cell activation by interaction with the VH/VL framework regions of B‐cell receptor
Authors: Song Wanli , Li Xueying , Cao Hongyu , Wang Tiantong , Sun Yuhan , Fan Qingjie , Zahid Danish , Li Ming , Li Wenzhe
Published: December 2022

Taurine (Tau) is a special sulphur‐containing amino acid and has been widely used as a dietary supplement. Although Tau exists in lymphocytes in large quantities, the physiological significance of Tau to modulate human immunity is unknown. In the present study, we first found that Tau regulates the B‐cell receptor (BCR)‐mediated signal transduction and induces the B cells activation. The IgG production of mice after ovalbumin immunization was also increased by Tau administration. Moreover, the isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance analysis have shown that Tau specifically bound to the IgG2a‐BCR. The Tau could bind to IgG F(ab′)2 regions via fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. In the molecular docking analysis, Tau bound to the framework regions (FRs) of variable region of the heavy chains (VH) and in the light chains (VL) of IgG2a‐BCR. Our results suggested that Tau could improve the activation of B cells by interaction with the VH/VL FRs of BCR.
Transition experiences of Middle Eastern midwives into Australian practice: A multiple case narrative study
Authors: Safari Kolsoom , McKenna Lisa , Davis Jenny
Published: December 2022

Aim

To explore transition experiences of Middle Eastern qualified midwives into practice in Australia.

Design

This was a qualitative study using multiple case narrative approach underpinned by structuration theory.

Methods

A total of 19 Middle Eastern qualified midwives from different states of Australia participated in this study. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted between November 2020 and September 2021, digitally recorded and then transcribed. Transcriptions were analysed in three stages, with three main categories generated in the second stage and a core category that was developed in third.

Results

Entering the Australian workforce, Middle Eastern qualified midwives had to reframe their professional identities to fit the new system by adjusting to three aspects of the practice, including preparation for practice, scope of practice and context of practice. While they were prepared by medically oriented curricula, worked in systems that had limitations for midwives to practise in antenatal and postnatal and lacked regulation standards, they learned to practise autonomously in their full scope in a standardized context in Australia.

Conclusion

Middle Eastern qualified midwives in Australia re‐evaluated their practice in their home countries, realized the gaps and adjusted to new ways of practising in Australia.

Impact

To effectively use the potential of Middle Eastern midwives for workforce sustainability in Australia, support should be available to enable them to develop the necessary competencies for safe practice in Australia including provision of context‐specific transition programmes prior to registration and supporting mentorship after their integration into the Australian healthcare workforce.

Patient or public contribution

Patient or public contribution does not apply to this study as its purpose was to explore the transition experiences of Middle Eastern qualified midwives themselves.
Prevalence, defining characteristics, and predictors of the nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Martins Helga , Domingues Tiago Dias , Campos de Carvalho Emília , Timmins Fiona , Caldeira Sílvia
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cancer patients are exposed to several types of treatments, including chemotherapy. In this context, patients experience several nursing diagnoses, including spiritual distress. The definition of the diagnosis of spiritual distress is grounded in lack of meaning and purpose in life, a sense of suffering, and a feeling of disconnected.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and predictors of the nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Designs

The study used a longitudinal questionnaire design with quarterly data collection points over a 12‐month period. Participants were recruited through random sampling, in an outpatients' setting in one oncology day unit in Portugal.

Findings

The highest prevalence of spiritual distress was found at 3 months after patients started chemotherapy. The highest value of specificity was lack of meaning in life and express suffering, and the highest values of sensitivity concerned spiritual distress diagnosis. The predictors of spiritual distress were express suffering, alienation, questioning meaning in life, lack of serenity, questioning the meaning of suffering, hopelessness, and lack of meaning in life.

Conclusions

Spiritual distress is a human response that is current in patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the highest prevalence seems to occur at 3 months after commencing chemotherapy. Express suffering and lack of meaning in life play the role not only of defining characteristics (DC) in this study, but also of predictors in the diagnosis of spiritual distress.

Clinical Relevance

The identification of the prevalence, predictors, sensitivity, and specificity of the DC of the nursing diagnosis of spiritual distress in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may facilitate nurses' clinical reasoning and improve the planning of nursing care in clinical practice in order to improve spiritual well‐being in cancer patients.
Factors associated with quality of life, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress among rural older adults living with HIV in the United States
Authors: Walsh Jennifer L. , John Steven A. , Quinn Katherine G. , Hirshfield Sabina , O'Neil Andrew , Petroll Andrew E.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Rural older people living with HIV (PLH) in the United States are a population of growing size and significance. A better understanding of factors associated with quality of life (QOL), depressive symptoms, and stress in this population—especially modifiable factors—could inform future interventions.

Methods

Online or on paper, we surveyed 446 PLH aged 50+ residing in rural counties across the United States (Mage = 56, 67% male, 67% White, and 23% Black). Associations between social support, HIV stigma, satisfaction with medical care, discrimination in health care settings, and structural barriers and health‐related QOL, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress were assessed using multiple linear regressions.

Findings

Controlling for demographics, greater social support was associated with better QOL, fewer depressive symptoms, and less stress. Greater HIV stigma was associated with more depressive symptoms and stress. Satisfaction with care was associated with better QOL and less stress. Discrimination in medical settings was associated with lower QOL and more depressive symptoms and stress. Finally, experiencing more structural barriers was associated with lower QOL and more depressive symptoms and stress.

Conclusions

In addition to engagement in care and viral suppression, QOL and mental health are also critical considerations for rural older PLH. Increasing social support, reducing or providing skills to cope with HIV stigma, improving quality of care, reducing discrimination and stigma in medical settings, and reducing or mitigating the impact of structural barriers present potential targets for interventions aiming to improve the well‐being of older rural PLH.
A comment to: “The manufacture and origin of the Tutankhamun meteoritic iron dagger” by Matsui et al.
Authors: Jambon Albert
Published: December 2022

Matsui et al. (2022) performed X‐ray fluorescence RF analyses of Tutankhamun's dagger and its hilt. Although the approach is indeed interesting, this work has many shortcomings. The absence of reference to standard specimens impairs both absolute values and error estimates, especially in chemical mapping. A Widmanstätten pattern at a scale of 1 mm cannot be revealed by chemical mapping with a step of 0.9 mm and spots exceeding significantly the 1 mm size. The presence of Ca on the hilt is probably an artifact as it can be observed on the blade and other objects as well. Finally, since the hilt and the blade may not be from the same origin, we have no clue about the origin of the dagger blade.
Early initiation of treatment with oral propranolol for infantile hemangioma improves success rate
Authors: Léauté‐Labrèze Christine , Frieden Ilona , Delarue Alain
Published: December 2022

Background/Objectives

Early referral and treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH) is a major challenge for treatment success. However, there is a lack of data supporting a specific threshold for initiating treatment with oral propranolol. The aim of this analysis was to find factors, such as age at treatment initiation, leading to a higher success rate with oral propranolol treatment.

Methods

Based on data from the pivotal phase 2–3 clinical trial of oral propranolol in IH, we used Generalized Additive Model (GAM) charts with Generalized Linear Models (GLM), then a rule discovery algorithm, to identify sub‐groups presenting a high probability of occurrence of the predefined outcome (i.e., success [complete or nearly complete resolution of the target hemangioma] at 6 months of treatment).

Results

Our analyses identified that patients who started oral propranolol 3 mg/kg/day before the age of 10 weeks had a success rate of 86%, higher than the 60% success rate for all patients that received the same regimen commencing after 10 weeks of age.

Conclusions

Treatment initiation before 10 weeks of age was associated with a significantly higher rate of treatment success with oral propranolol 3 mg/kg/day. Infants with IH requiring treatment should be referred to an expert center and treated as soon as possible.
A glimmer of hope: My reflections on global health efforts in Haiti
Authors: Charles Marie Lourdes
Published: December 2022

Many factors impact access to care and global health equity, which can be transformed by nursing. When healthcare infrastructure is suboptimal, nursing's role expands exponentially. In this reflection, I share my experiences accessing healthcare as a child in a low‐resource community and highlight nursing activities to improve global health equity. Nurses can facilitate change by becoming active in communities, humanitarian organizations, policymaking, and advocacy.
Entitlement and misleading evidence
Authors: Fantl Jeremy
Published: December 2022

The standard conception of misleading evidence has it that e is misleading evidence that p iff e is evidence that p and p is false. I argue that this conception yields incorrect verdicts when we consider what it is for evidence to be misleading with respect to questions like whether p. Instead, we should adopt a conception of misleading evidence according to which e is misleading with respect to a question only if e is in‐fact irrelevant to that question – a relation that requires that e fail to be both explanatorily connected to and evidence for any truth that answers the question. This modified conception allows e to be non‐misleading evidence with respect to a question even if e is evidence for the false answer to that question. It also points toward a new argument for and explanation of the truth of a central premise – what Maria Lasonen‐Aarnio dubs “Entitlement” – that generates the infamous dogmatism puzzle.
Genetic diversity of Cladophora oligocladoidea forming a bloom in the coastal area of Korea
Authors: Lee Soon Jeong , Choi Han Gil , Kim Ju Hee , Lee Eun‐Young , Lee Sang‐Rae
Published: December 2022

Green algal blooms by Cladophora species are primarily reported in freshwater and coastal regions and cause severe ecological problems. A taxonomic report of the geographic distribution of Cladophora blooms is essential to explore the cause and impact of macroalgal blooms and for eco‐physiological studies. The identification of blooming species is necessary for monitoring and controlling algal blooms. Genetic information of DNA sequences is useful for identifying species in the genus Cladophora. In the coastal area of Sangrok, Korea, a large‐scale Cladophora bloom was reported for the first time in September 2015. In the present study, we identified the taxonomic entity of Cladophora oligocladoidea (Ulvophyceae, Cladophorales) in Korea. We report for the first time a green algal bloom by this species globally. This is the second report about genetic diversity of C. oligocladoidea since the species was established in Japan. Four ribotypes in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA represent the genetic diversity of Korean C. oligocladoidea. The results from this taxonomic report and our analysis of the green algal bloom of Korean C. oligocladoidea can provide valuable data to understand the geographic distribution and the genetic diversity of the species.
Cross‐country risk quantification of extreme wildfires in Mediterranean Europe
Authors: Meier Sarah , Strobl Eric , Elliott Robert J. R. , Kettridge Nicholas
Published: December 2022

We estimate the country‐level risk of extreme wildfires defined by burned area (BA) for Mediterranean Europe and carry out a cross‐country comparison. To this end, we avail of the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) geospatial data from 2006 to 2019 to perform an extreme value analysis. More specifically, we apply a point process characterization of wildfire extremes using maximum likelihood estimation. By modeling covariates, we also evaluate potential trends and correlations with commonly known factors that drive or affect wildfire occurrence, such as the Fire Weather Index as a proxy for meteorological conditions, population density, land cover type, and seasonality. We find that the highest risk of extreme wildfires is in Portugal (PT), followed by Greece (GR), Spain (ES), and Italy (IT) with a 10‐year BA return level of 50'338 ha, 33'242 ha, 25'165 ha, and 8'966 ha, respectively. Coupling our results with existing estimates of the monetary impact of large wildfires suggests expected losses of 162–439 million € (PT), 81–219 million € (ES), 41–290 million € (GR), and 18–78 million € (IT) for such 10‐year return period events.

We model the risk of extreme wildfires for Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain in form of burned area return levels, compare them, and estimate expected losses.
The Effect of Labor's Bargaining Power on Wealth Inequality in the UK, USA, And France
Authors: Tippet Ben , Onaran Özlem , Wildauer Rafael
Published: December 2022

This paper analyses the determinants of wealth inequality, measured as the share of wealth owned by the top 1 percent wealthiest individuals. We find that labor's bargaining power is a significant and important determinant of top wealth shares. Using a semi‐structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model for the period 1970–2019, we estimate that shocks to labor's bargaining power explain 32 percent, 8 percent and 32 percent of the variation around the long‐term trend in wealth inequality in the UK, USA and France, respectively.
Differential enzymatic deglycosylation reveals attachment of red cell B antigen onto the carbohydrate moiety of glycophorin A and glycophorin B
Authors: Hsu Kate
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Early studies indicate that red cell A and B antigens are attached primarily onto band 3 and GLUT1 on the erythrocyte membrane and little onto glycophorin A (GPA) and glycophorin B (GPB). But as GPA and band 3 form stable protein complexes and GPA is much more heavily glycosylated than band 3, this study re‐examined the association between ABO antigens and GPA/GPB.

Materials and Methods

Band 3/GPA‐associated protein complexes were first immunoprecipitated, followed by differential enzymatic deglycosylation that removed sialic acids, N‐glycans and O‐glycans. Serological anti‐A (BIRMA 1) and anti‐B IgM (GAMA 110) could be used for western blot (WB); however, only the anti‐B IgM showed significant reactivity for the immunoprecipitates isolated by anti‐band 3. The expression of the B antigen in un‐deglycosylated and differentially deglycosylated band 3 immunoprecipitates was thus compared.

Results

Besides attachment to band 3, red cell B antigen expressed substantially on GPA monomer and homodimer, GPA*GPB heterodimer, and GPB monomer and dimer via attachments through the N‐ and O‐glycans.

Conclusion

Immunoprecipitation (IP), as a means of protein separation and concentration, was used in combination with a WB to differentiate glycosylation on different proteins and oligomers. This study implemented differential enzymatic deglycosylation during IP of the band 3 complexes. This combined approach allowed separate identification of the B antigen on GPA/GPB monomer and dimer and GPA*GPB heterodimer, and band 3 on the WB and verified non‐trivial expression of the B antigen on GPA and GPB on the erythrocyte surface.
Archaeological Excavations on the SCPX Pipeline, Azerbaijan 2013-2018
Authors:   Landsker Archaeology Ltd, Maynard David , Qoşqarli Qoşqar ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Müseybli Nəcəf ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Nəcəfov Şamil ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Əsədov Vaqif ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Agalarzadə Anar ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Kiriçenko Dmitriy ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Hüseynov Müzəffər ,   Azerbaijan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography
Published: December 2022

The SCPX pipeline, completed in 2018, follows the line of the earlier BTC and SCP pipelines across Azerbaijan towards Georgia. The project included an archaeological programme that supplemented the discoveries of the earlier two projects. The results were very similar, but were significantly different from the earlier work. The SCPX work was carried out on 48 locations using a team of national and international archaeologists. Chalcolithic material was again found at Poylu, Xocaxan and Aılı Dərə. The Kura Araz culture of the early Bronze Age was indicated with burials at Soyuqbulaq and Tovuzçay. The Xocalı-Gədəbəy culture of the late Bronze Age early Iron Age is well represented with a cemetery found at Tovuzçay II and the kurgans at Borsunlu Camp. Antique period jar grave cemeteries were found in the Yevlax area at Əmirarx, Bəyimsarov, Səmədabad and Yaldili. Medieval settlement sites were excavated at Əmirarx, Faxrali, Lək and Hacialili. The major discovery of the project was the medieval castle at Kərpiclitəpə. This was a rectangular structure with towers at each corner and evidence of occupation that probably ended with the Mongol invasion. The report is structured as an introduction to the project, with a brief summary of excavations. The detail for each site can be accessed in the report by links to the archive on the ADS website in a similar form to the BTC/SCP project report. The reader can thus access all the information for each site together with detailed analysis of radiocarbon and other analyses of the sites for all the work in that area from the various projects. Taken as a whole, the work on the three projects provides a means to comprehend part of the very broad early history of northwest Azerbaijan.
Novas Tecnologias, Proteção de Dados Pessoais e Seguros
Authors: Carlini Angelica L.
Published: December 2022

O artigo analisa os principais aspectos da Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados – LGPD implantada no Brasil em agosto de 2020. Também cuida do impacto da nova legislação no setor de seguros, em especial em ambiente de implantação do sistema aberto de seguros – open insurance -, criado para ampliar o acesso a seguros para a população brasileira.
Nuevas tecnologías, protección de datos personales y el seguro
Authors: Saraiva Lima Henrique José
Published: December 2022

El Reglamento (UE) 2016/79 vino a establecer, a nivel de la Unión Europea, las reglas relativas a la protección de las personas en lo que dice respecto al tratamiento de datos personales y a la libre circulación de esos datos y prevé un conjunto amplio de principios y normas que tiene como finalidad ultima la defensa de la privacidad de las personas y permite que los ciudadanos europeos controlen mejor sus datos personales.

El tratamiento de los datos personales es lícito si el titular de los datos hubiera dado su consentimiento para una o más finalidades específicas, lo cual debe ser libremente prestado, específico, informado y expreso.

En lo que respecta a la actividad aseguradora el tratamiento de los datos personales es manifiestamente indispensable pues no es posible celebrar un contrato de seguro sin que el asegurado provea a la aseguradora los datos personales considerados necesarios a la aceptación de la propuesta de seguro.

Esta problemática es particularmente importante en el sector asegurador una vez que son cada vez más frecuentes los casos de utilización de las páginas web y de los servicios digitales de las aseguradoras, a través de los cuales los utilizadores pueden recoger informaciones sobre los seguros comercializados por la aseguradora, efectuar simulaciones a fin de conocer el valor de la prima de un determinado seguro y presentar propuestas de seguro con vista a la emisión de una póliza de seguro.

La transmisión de datos personales por parte del asegurado y el tratamiento de los mismos por parte de la aseguradora obedece al principio de limitación de las finalidades según el cual los datos personales deben ser recogidos para fines determinados, explícitos y legítimos no pudiendo ser tratados para otros fines que no los previstos.

El tema de la protección de datos personales asume particular relevancia cuando están en causa seguros de personas, como es el caso de seguro de salud y del seguro de vida con cobertura de los daños por muerte e invalidez.

La cuestión de la seguridad asume una importancia capital cuando hablamos en protección de datos personales y, en especial, cuando están en causa datos sensibles que tienen que ser tratados en el ámbito de la fase pre contractual y durante la vigencia de los seguros de personas.

Los riesgos cibernéticos están en permanente evolución, afectan a todos y son cada vez más frecuentes y agresivos los ataques cibernéticos por lo que podemos afirmar que hoy nadie (personas, empresas, organizaciones y Gobiernos) están inmunes o está a salvo de ataques cibernéticos.
Aprendizaje del conteo y los números naturales en preescolar: una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Santana Espitia Ana Cristina , Otálora Yenny , Taborda Osorio Hernando
Published: December 2022

Aprender a contar cantidades discretas de forma exacta constituye uno de los primeros hitos del desarrollo del conocimiento matemático infantil. En los últimos años, ha habido un extenso debate en torno a cómo ocurre este proceso de aprendizaje en preescolar. La actual investigación tuvo como objetivo conocer las temáticas y preguntas de investigación generales desarrolladas en los últimos cinco años en cuanto al aprendizaje del conteo y los números naturales en preescolar. Para ello, se realizó una revisión sistemática en la que se hizo una indagación en las bases de datos ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Web of Science, SpringerLink, JSTOR y Sage. Se obtuvieron 98 artículos de investigación que fueron examinados mediante análisis de conglomerados y mapas jerárquicos a través de NVIVO 11.0.  Se encontraron cuatro núcleos temáticos (Ideas sobre los procesos cognitivos implicados en la comprensión del número, Representación de magnitudes numéricas, Intervenciones para favorecer el desarrollo de habilidades matemáticas y Aspectos estructurales del número), que muestran el panorama actual de investigación sobre aprendizaje del conteo. Los resultados de este estudio son importantes para delimitar posibles programas futuros de investigación, y pueden ser usados por docentes como insumo para enriquecer los ambientes de aprendizaje de sus aulas de clase.
Transverse Third-Damper to Improve Suspension Systems for In-Wheel Motor Driven Electric Vehicles
Authors: Medina Hector , Carpenter Natasha
Published: December 2022

The commensurate increase of unsprung mass due to in-wheel motors can have negative effects on either ride comfort or roadholding capability of electric vehicles (EVs). To counteract those effects, semi-active or fully active suspension systems are deployed, which tend to be high-energy consumers. This is undoubtedly problematic for EVs, since battery life and range are already limiting factors in design. Furthermore, when performance is comparable, passive suspension systems are preferred due to their simplicity, higher reliability, lower implementation cost, and zero energy consumption. In this work, using an energy-based approach, we conduct the frequency analysis response of a suspension system containing a transverse third-damper. A transverse half-car model is employed, and the behaviors of both wheels are analyzed based on disturbances on one wheel. Our results show that with an optimal damping ratio for the transverse damper, the amplitude ratio at the second resonance of one wheel could be significantly decreased, especially for high (≈80 kg) and medium (≈60 kg) unsprung masses. The implication is that the decrease in roadholding capability and reliability of the motor bearings associated with in-wheel motors can be mitigated. Additionally, the behavior of the sprung mass with the third-damper suspension system was identical to that of the conventional system (though the analysis was strictly limited to vertical motion). Therefore, due to its passive nature, the third-damper suspension system design is a low-cost solution that may be able to achieve the goals of improving roadholding without affecting rider's comfort. Future experimental work and other types of analysis (e.g., roll dynamics) should be carried out to provide a more complete picture of third-damper suspension system behavior.
Finite-time Synchronization of Fractional-order Energy Resources Demand-Supply Hyperchaotic Systems via Fractional-order Prediction-based Feedback Control Strategy with Bio-inspired Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Soukkou Ammar , Soukkou Yassine , Haddad Sofiane , Benghanem Mohamed , Rabhi Abdelhamid
Published: December 2022

The concept of fractional-order control (F-oC) is exploited in this paper to synchronize fractional-order dynamical systems. The addressed systems in this paper reflect the real physical phenomena characterized by the complicated relationship between supply and demand for energy resources in the Shanghai area. Thus, we provide the developed fractional energy resource attractor and the simulation results regarding synchronization under the proposed control law of the same fractional energy resource attractor. Note that most of the synchronization methods achieved excellent performance when dealing with complex continuous systems; however, no method addressed the synchronization problem of fractional-order energy resource systems based on the F-oC and modern optimization techniques, to the best of our knowledge. By designing the finite-time control theory, the finite-time full synchronization of two identical fractional-order energy resources demand-supply hyperchaotic systems (F-oERDSHSs) is investigated due to its performance. The advanced prediction-based fractional-order control law (Pb-FoCL) is established for finite-time synchronization of F-oERDSHSs. The design procedure becomes a multiobjective optimization problem of the knowledge base of the developed controller while satisfying the desired performance requirements. The Finite-Time Stability (F-TS) of the control-loop system is proved by using the finite-time Lyapunov stability theory. Furthermore, the Improved Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (I-AHA) is used to find an optimal knowledge base of Pb-FoCL while achieving the design constraints. Simulation results are provided to verify the efficiency of the proposed control strategy.
Development and Calibration of an Indigenous Spectroscopic System for Radiation Portal Monitor Application
Authors: Fnu Akanchha , Bhadouria Vikesh Singh , Pandey Arun Kumar , Wahi Pankaj , Sinha Niraj , Munshi Prabhat
Published: December 2022

The growing terrorism threat based on the use of special nuclear materials (SNMs), which includes highly enriched uranium (HEU), weapons-grade plutonium (WGPu), or high-activity radiological sources has reinforced the need for improved population protection mechanisms. The motivation for the development of a radiation portal monitor is the need for inspecting cargo at various entry points of the country. This inspection process requires scanning many containers for the presence of SNMs such as Uranium, Thorium, and Plutonium. In this study, we have worked on designing a system with eight NaI (Tl) detectors for the detection of any gamma-emitting radioactive source. The multichannel analyzer for collecting the data from the detectors has also been indigenously developed using PXIe-6386 data acquisition system with a sampling rate of 14 MS/s. The system is automated using labview platform. The system is capable of detection as well as identification of the SNMs passing through it in static conditions. The energy spectra of various radionuclides, such as 137Cs, 60Co, and 54Mn, measured using our RPM have been used for the validation of the identification of sources with unknown energy lines.
Investigations of In-Plane Fluidelastic Instability in a Multispan U-Bend Tube Array—Part II: Tests in Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Feenstra Paul , Sawadogo Teguewinde , Smith Bruce , Janzen Victor , McLellan Anne , Cothron Helen , Kil Sean
Published: December 2022

Tests to study fluidelastic instability (FEI) in an array of U-bend tubes were recently completed in the multispan U-Bend test rig at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. These tests were sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute and were designed to study in-plane fluid elastic instability of steam generator tubes in two-phase cross flow. This instability mechanism was first observed in previous experiments by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. This mechanism was not thought to be a serious practical concern until 2012 when it caused severe damage to tubes in a new replacement steam-generator in a nuclear power plant in the United States. In this study, tests were conducted both with flows of air and two-phase liquid/vapor Refrigerant 134a. The tube bundle consisted of 22 flexible U-bend tubes supported by a configurable flat-bar arrangement. Testing focused on the effects of support geometry and tube-to-support interaction. Data were recorded from 33 dynamic signals from accelerometers, displacement probes, force transducers, and void-fraction probes. Part I of this two-part series presented results of air tests. Part II presents results of tests using two-phase Freon refrigerant (R-134a) as the working fluid.
Proteolytic Activity of DegP Is Required for the
Burkholderia
Symbiont To Persist in Its Host Bean Bug
Authors: Jeong Bohyun , Jang Ho Am , Lee Junbeom , Bae Ha Ram , Kim Jiyeun Kate
Published: December 2022

Bacterial DegP has dual functions as a protease and a chaperone and supports bacterial growth under stressful conditions. In symbioses involving bacteria, bacterial symbionts encounter various stressors and may need functional DegP for symbiotic association with the host.
Evidence for regionally continuous Early Cretaceous sinistral shear zones along the western flank of the Coast Mountains, coastal British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Wang Jordan W. , Gehrels George , Kapp Paul , Sundell Kurt
Published: December 2022

The plate-boundary conditions of the Mesozoic North American Cordillera remain poorly constrained, but most studies support large (>800 km) southward motion of the Insular and Intermontane superterranes during Jurassic–Cretaceous time. An implicit feature in these models of large coastwise displacements is the presence of one or more continentalscale sinistral strike-slip faults that could have dismembered and displaced terrane fragments southward along the western margin of North America prior to the onset of mid-Cretaceous shortening and dextral strike-slip faulting. In this study, we documented a system of sinistral intra-arc shear zones within the Insular superterrane that may have accommodated large southward motion. Employment of a new large-n igneous zircon U-Pb method more than doubled the precision of measurements obtained by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (from ~1% to 0.5%) and allowed us to demonstrate the close temporal-spatial relationship between magmatism and deformation by dating comagmatic crosscutting phases. Crystallization ages of pre-, syn-, and postkinematic intrusions show that the intra-arc shear zones record an Early Cretaceous phase of sinistral oblique convergence that terminated between 107 and 101 Ma. Shear zone cessation coincided with: (1) collapse of the Gravina basin, (2) development of a single voluminous arc that stitched the Insular and Intermontane superterranes together, and (3) initiation of eastwest contractional deformation throughout the Coast Mountains. We interpret these concurrent tectono-magmatic events to mark a shift in plate kinematics from a sinistral-oblique system involving separate terranes and intervening ocean basins to a strongly convergent two-plate margin involving a single oceanic plate and the newly assembled western margin of North America.
Conjugates of Tacrine with Aminomethylidene-Substituted Malonates: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Grishchenko M. V. , Elkina N. A. , Makhaeva G. F. , Burgart Ya. V. , Boltneva N. P. , Rudakova E. V. , Shchegolkov E. V. , Kovaleva N. V. , Serebryakova O. G. , Saloutin V. I.
Published: December 2022

The condensation of tacrine aminopolymethylene derivatives with diethyl (ethoxymethylidene)malonate led to the new hybrid compounds—conjugates, which were the effective inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (IC50 up to 0.538 μM) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 up to 0.0314 μM). They can displace propidium iodide from peripherical anionic site of AChE at the level of the reference drug donepezil and demonstrate a weak antioxidant activity. Conjugates are of interest for further extended research as potential drugs for the Alzheimer’s disease treatment.
Assessing widening disparities in HbA1c and systolic blood pressure retesting during the COVID-19 pandemic in an LGBTQ+-focused federally qualified health center in Chicago: a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records
Authors: Rivera Adovich S , Plank Megan , Davis Ash , Feinstein Matthew J , Rusie Laura K , Beach Lauren B
Published: December 2022

Introduction

To assess disparities in retesting for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) among people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN), respectively, we analyzed medical records from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer-specialized federally qualified health center with multiple sites in Chicago.

Research design and methods

We identified people with DM seen in 2018 and 2019 then assessed if individuals had HbA1c retested the following year (2019 and 2020). We repeated this using SBP for people with HTN. Rates of retesting were compared across gender, sexual orientation, and race and ethnicity and across the 2 years for each categorization with adjustment for socioeconomic indicators.

Results

Retesting rates declined from 2019 to 2020 for both HbA1c and SBP overall and across all groups. Cisgender women and transgender men with DM (vs cisgender men) and straight people (vs gay men) had significantly lower odds of HbA1c retesting for both years. There was evidence of widening of HbA1c retesting disparities in 2020 between gay men and other orientations. Cisgender women, straight people, and black people (vs white) with HTN had significantly lower odds of SBP retesting for both years. There was evidence of narrowing in the retesting gap between black and white people with HTN, but this was due to disproportionate increase in no retesting in white people rather than a decline in no retesting among black people with HTN.

Conclusions

Disparities in DM and HTN care according to gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation persisted during the pandemic with significant widening according to sexual orientation.